UC-NRLF

7M 1M.7

REESE LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA.
l^eceived

/V^/is^f

>

,Q~J^~

Accessions
:

No .</ O

UUo

CL ns No.

55003 Manual of field range-finding.

[All rights reserved.

40185 6088

MANUAL
OF

FIELD RANGE-FINDING,
FOR

OFFICERS AND NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

OF

HOESE AND FIELD ARTILLERY,

St, "S Tit,

VY^

e,
V)M

1890.

LONDON:
PRINTED FOR HER MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE, BY HARRISON AND SONS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE,
PEINTEBS IN OEDINABY TO HER MAJESTY.

And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from EYRE & SPOTTISWOODE, EAST HARDING STREET, FLEET STREET, E.C. JOHN MENZIES & Co., 12, HANOVER STREET, EDINBURGH, and 88 and 90, WEST NILE STREET, GLASGOW; or HODGES, FIGGIS, & Co., 104, GEAFTON STREET, DUBLIN.
Price One Shilling*

or

(Wt. 25590

1000

91

H&S

5880)

INDEX.
PAST
I.

GENERAL BISECTIONS

..........
........ ........
5

3,

4
v

II.

III.

THE WATKIN FIELD RANGE-FINDER THE WATKIN FIELD TELEMETER

ENDING

55

5666 6780

IV.

REPRINT OF REGULATIONS DELATING TO FIELD RANGE-

..............
. . . .
. .

PART
Uses of Range-finding
Tactical Directions
.

I.

THE FIELD RANGE-FINDER.

. .

................
THE WATKIN FIELD RANGE-FINDER.
of a Battery.

. .

. .

3, 3,

PART
Chapter
I.

II.

The Range-finding Equipment

Instrument.

Patterns of

Details of Instruments and Description

. . .
. . .

,,

II.

III.

of Articles of Equipment \ Method of Carrying the Equipment by a Mounted Party Use of the Instrument
.

5
11,

10
12

IV.

Adjustment of the Instrument

Care of Instruments
Drill,

V.
VI.
VII.

Preliminary

Drill, Service

VIII.

Drill, Application Drill, Application

IX.

X.
XI.
,,

Range-finding to Objects To Test a Field Range-finder Range-finding under Cover. .

.......... ........ and Equipment ............ .............. ............ ........ Moving ........
. .

1319
20, 21 22,

. .

. .

23

2426 2731 3234

35
38, 40,

continued

. .

. .

37
39
41

XII.
XIII.

Causes of Error in Range-finding

. .

. .

42

45

,,

..

.,

..

..
. .

XIV.

XV.
XVI.

Duties of Range-takers Hints to Range-takers

........ ..........
Use
in Surveying
.
.

46,47 48, 49
50, 51

Theory of the Instrument.

. .

52

55

PART

III.

THE FIELD TELEMETER.

. . . . . .
. .

Range-finding Equipment of a Battery - , Patterns of Instrument . . .

.

. .

56

. .

. .

. .

. .

56
56

Description of Instrument and Equipment

Provisional Drill

Testing an Instrument

Cause of Error

.................. ..................
. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

58

5862
62
63

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

. .

Theory of the Telemeter

. .

..........
A

6366

(4899)

11

INDEX.
PAGE

PART
Appendix A.
Section
I.

IV.

APPENDICES.
Specimen Form of History
...
. .

Supply of Field Range-finders, A.C., March,

1886, 01. 43.

Sheet

..

6770
. .

R.&.O., March, 1886, No. 19

70,

71

Section II. Range-finding in Batteries, R.Q-.O., No. 14,

1885

GLO.,

R.G-.O., 108,

138, November, November, 1887

1886
. .
.

7173
74
75
76, 77

Form Form

of Recording Ranges taken at Drill of Certificate

. .
.

. .

. .

Section III. Classes at Aldershot Section IV. Preparatory Classes

R.G.O., No. 14, 1885

. .

R.GKO., 14, 1885

. .

. .

78
79,

Appendix

Course of Instruction for Preparatory Classes

80

PLATES.
The Watkin Field Range-finder The Watkin Field Telemeter
Range-finding Cards
.. I,

II

VI, VII, VIII, IX,

X Ill, IV, V

MANUAL OF FIELD RANGE-FINDING

FOR

HORSE AND FIELD ARTILLERY.

PART

I.

GENEEAL DIRECTIONS.

THE chief uses of Field Range-finding for Artillery is to determine the actual distance of the guns of a battery or batteries from the objects of their fire, the principal advantages thus conferred being 1. A saving of time under fire before the commencement of
:

A saving of ammunition in the ranging of the batteries. Range-finding is also of great assistance in field reconnaissances, enabling exact information to be given as to the distances from the reconnoitring parfcy, of positions held by the enemy, and also the distances of these one from another.
2.

effective shooting.

RANGE-FINDING IN THE FIELD.

In all cases it will be desirable to ascertain the range before the coming of the battery into action, and with as little exposure as possible, in order to avoid premature exhibition of purpose to the enemy.

When time is abundant, accuracy should be ensured by the employment of long bases, of deliberate work and of verification by taking more than one observation to a particular point. This will generally be feasible on the defensive, and in
reconnaissance preparatory to attack when the ranges should be taken to all points which may become important during the course of the operations. These ranges should be recorded on a rough but clear sketch, having the points numbered, and the numbers tabulated with their corresponding
ranges.

When

time

is

scant, the range-takers should attend closely

on the commanding officer in readiness to find the range as soon as he can point out the intended position for action. When the advance or retirement of a battery in prolongation of its line of fire is expected, the range of a point in the next probable position should be taken. This deducted from or added to the existing range will give that of the new
position.

When a new position, not in prolongation of the line of tire has been decided on, the distance of this from the objective should be found (see Part II. Chap. IX), before the battery is
required to move.

As ranges to moving objects cannot be taken except under special circumstances (see Part II, Chapter X), points in their probable path sufficiently advanced to allow time for the operation must be selected. If, it is impossible to take the range of the actual object required (such as troops or guns
under cover), and a tree or any other conspicuous adjacent object has been taken instead, this should be distinctly
notified to the
officer

in

command, as observations

of this

nature cannot be implicitly relied upon, on account of the difficulty of correctly estimating by eye the comparative ranges of objects, though apparently equally distant. Range-finding should be invariably conducted under the immediate supervision of an officer, who should see that it is carried out as much as possible under cover (see Part II, Chapter XIII), and that there is no mistake made in the identification of the object. When observation of effect of fire is likely to be difficult, or the target is badly defined, it is often advisable to find the

ranges of objects short of and beyond it; this will give limits between which the true range must lie on the principle of the brackets recommended in ranging by common shell. The Range-finders in the Service for Horse and Field
Artillery are
1.
:

2.

The Watkin Field Range-finder, see Part II. The Watkin Field Telemeter, see Part III.

Their application is at present restricted to objects seen by daylight,* and as already stated, except under special circumstances, to the observation of stationary objects.
* By the aid of lamps fitted to the pickets, the range of lights at night can be The adoption of such lamps is now under consideration. readily found.

PART

II.

THE WATKIN FIELD RANGEFINDER,

CHAPTER
I.

THE RANGE-FINDING EQUIPMENT OF A BATTERY.

range-finding equipment of a battery of Horse or Field Artillery, to which the Watkin Field Range-finder has been issued, consists of the following articles: 1 Watkin Field Range-finder, large pattern, Class 1, in a leather case with a shoulder belt attached.* The instrument is invariably of the Mark IY pattern.
I leather waist-belt.* 1 steel tape, Mark II, in a wind-up case in a leather pocket, 1 metallic cord, Mark II or III, carried in a leather pocket.

THE

1 set of 3 tripod pickets with a linen flag each. and B 2 picket straps 3 feet 4 inches long, one for the are which carried for C one the together, pickets, picket. 4 leather picket buckets, 2 large and 2 small. In addition to the above, batteries are allowed a second instrument Class II, for drill purposes this is usually of the Mark III pattern.

PATTERNS OF INSTRUMENT.
Artillery patterns are described in the official vocabulary as: Range-finders, Field Watkin large, to distinguish them from the two patterns of Infantry range-finders which resemble them in every respect except size, and are described as small. There are two patterns of the large, or Artillery, rangeMark IV, which is the ordinary finders now in the Service, viz.
:

The

Service pattern, and Mark III, which is issued to batteries for drill only, and does not form part of their Service equipment.

Mark

III and IV differ in manufacturing details only. The III has a solid base, whereas the Mark IV has an open frame-work screwed to a false bottom. The Mark III may be

Marks

further recognised by having the guide collar regulated by a capstan screAv instead of by the automatic split-spring adopted in the Mark IV. Mark III instruments, when in good order, are as reliable as Mark IV, but those now in use are nearly all much the worse for wear, and consequently not good enough for accurate work.
* New cases are fitted with 2-inch shoulder-belts, and 2-inch waist-belts are issued for use with these. Some old cases are, however, fitted with 1^-inch shoulder belts, and waist-belts Mark II, 1^-inches wide, are supplied to correspond with these.

For the regulations relating to classification of instruments and their issue to batteries, see Appendix C, p. 56.

THE MARK IV INSTRUMENT.

(Plates I

and

II.)

The instrument is double reflecting, on the principle of the common sextant, but is so constructed that the distant object is seen by direct vision, and the near one by reflection.

When closed it forms a rectangular box 10 inches wide, and If inches deep.
It weighs about 4^1b. The parts of the instrument are as follows
:

inches long, 4

The metal case. The cylinder. The cylinder guide collar. The cylinder band. The base bar and sliding collar. The base bar spring. The steel bar. The steel bar spring. The index glass. The short arm. The horizon glass. The rack and pinion. The rack knob and spring slide. The regulator. The regulator blocks. The adjusting key. The telescope. The two eyeholes with sliding shutters, one
hole.
r

for each eye-

Jhe Case and

its Fittings.

case consists of a ribbed frame, a false bottom and plate, and a top or cover. The cover is hinged so that when the instrument is in use one half may be thrown back, thus admitting light and giving access to the cylinder and base bar. In the cover is carried the adjusting key and the telescope. There are two eyeholes fitted with sliding shutters, so that the instrument can be used with or without the telescope. The case is marked on the top with the name, and number of the instrument, and with the maker's name ; on the basel'with a ing to show where the head of the picket is to be when the nstrument rests upon it ; at the eyeholes with the words " Range Right Angle," to mark the end eyehole, and with the word Base to mark the side one ;~ over the rack knob with the words "Range and Right Angle Base," to show the proper position of the spring slide.

The

bottom

The Cylinder.
cylinder consists of a metal barrel, with a steel pointed screw rigidly fixed in it. The screw works in a split spring guide collar, its point bearing upon a steel block at the end of the base bar. The cylinder has engraved upon it spirally a scale of ranges from 450*t to 5,000 yards ; these are read by means of an arrowhead upon a fixed band which partly surrounds the barrel. The

The

cylinder has a zero

mark

to

show when

it is

fully

screwed up.

The Base Bar.

scale of bases engraved from 60 to 130 yards| the scale is read by means of a line cut on the sliding collar. The bar is compelled to move with the cylinder, being pushed forward by it in one direction, and constrained by the base bar

The base bar is of gun metal, and has a

;

on

it

spring to follow

it in

the other.

The

Steel

Bar.

The steel bar conforms to the movement of the base bar (in accordance with the setting of the sliding collar), being pushed forward by it in one direction, and constrained by the steel bai spring to follow it in the other.
The Index Glass.
is entirely silvered, is fixed in a frame glass, end of the steel bar. This glass has necessarily a movement dependent upon that of the steel bar.

The index

which

at the pivot

The Horizon Glass and Short Arm.

The horizon glass is a half-silvered glass in a metal frame fixed to the short arm.

K
L

has two positions when the regulator is prepsed against the side block it is then at 45^ inclination to the index (Plates I and II)
It
First,
;

Second, when the regulator is pressed against the centre block it is then parallel to the index glass. The horizon glass is shifted from one position to the other by the rack and pinion, actuated by the rack knob. Back lash is avoided by a bent spring under this knob.
;

The Regulator and Regulator Blocks. The regulator is a small screw of hardened steel carried at the end of the short arm, from which it projects in both directions The the arm then plays between the steel regulator blocks.
;

* Available for any other unit. t In some instruments the scale begins at 500. j Some instruments read to more than 130, and some to a little under it. The regulator, if it works loose, can be tightened by a slight turn of the capstan crew on the short arm.

(4899)

A 3

position of this ucrew can be slightly altered by the adjusting key without any alteration in the total angular traverse of the short arm carrying the horizon glass. Thus if the short arm be locked in position, so that the regulator bears against the block L (Plates I and II), then by screwing or unscrewing the regulator, the horizon glass can be brought exactly parallel to the index glass, and by this method the instrument can be tested and adjusted.

The Sliding Collar.

The sliding collar can be set in any position on the base bar from the 60 graduation to the extreme end. Its function is to communicate a motion to the steel bar from the base bar this motion being proportional to the length of base to which the
;

collar is set.

When the cylinder is at zero the steel bar and base bar are absolutely parallel, and the movement of the sliding collar along the base bar imparts no movement to the index glass. In every other position of the cylinder the steel and base bars are not parallel, and the inclination of the index glass, for a given position of the cylinder, will then vary with the position of the sliding collar on the base bar. Thus the amount of motion of the cylinder to give a definite movement to the index glass depends on the position of the sliding collar on the base bar ; and the instrument is so arranged that by setting this collar to the proper graduation for the base used, the one scale of yards on the cylinder will give the range (within the limits of the graduations) without any calculation
whatever.
The Sliding Shutters.
closed

The shutters have the eyeholes in them, and must be always when the telescope is not used. The importance of the small eyehole is very great, for an

observation taken with the shutters open cannot be depended on.

The Telescope.

The
natural
piece.

size.

to about four times the telescope magnifies objects It is fooussed by pulling out or pressing in the eye
it fits

For
drawn.

use,

into the eyeholes, the shutters being with-

When not in use, it is earned in a socket on the lid of the instrument. In the Mark IV, this socket has a cross slot which fits in a small projection on the telescope. In the* Mark III the socket holds the telescope by a simple
spring.

THE STEEL TAPE.

The
at one
steel tape is a riband of steel 20 feet long, with a loop for fixing to a button on the picket, the other end fastened to the interior of a case into which the whole

end

being

riband can be wound. There is a raised mark 011 the tape indicating a length of 6 yards. The tape is employed to test the length of the metallic cord.

THE METALLIC

CORD.

The cord Mark III is composed of a silk line 18 feet 9J inches long, covered with copper wire. One end is fixed to a wooden shuttle on which the cord is
wound, the other end is furnished with an S hook which enables the cord to be attached to the button of the A picket. A length of exactly 6 yards is marked off by a single knot 011 the cord on the outside of the hole in the shuttle, the measurement being from this knot to the outside bend of the hook. In the Mark II pattern, which is liable at times to kink, the cord is covered with brass instead of copper wire, and the S hook is weaker than in the Mark III.

The Mark
hook.

I,

now

obsolete,

was

fitted

with a ring instead of a

The shuttle should be painted on each side half white half black.

and

THE LEATHER POCKETS FOR TAPE AND

;

CORD.

The Mark II pockets for the tape and cord have a loop on the back, through which the waist-belt passes they are closed by a buckle and strap. That for the cord is square, the other is rounded off. Mark I pockets should be altered to pattern
locally.

THE TRIPOD
The
service

PICKETS.

and the three legs

tripod pickets are of ash,* each in four pieces the head any one of which may be easily replaced on

by battery artificers. The head is attached to the legs by a joint of thick leather. The Iegs which are furnished with steel points, fold together
5>

so that the picket

Each picket weighs about

long
able crosshead
*

may be

carried like a lance. 31b. 5 oz., and is 5 feet 6 inches

when folded. One of the pickets (called the A picket)

The One
earlier patterns of picket picket of tubular steel

is fitted with a moveand with a brass button to take the S hook of

now obsolete were with iron points, furnished with white enamel leather discs having black crosses on them. Two pickets of male bamboo shod with steel furnished with leather disca as

10
the metallic cord. This picket carries a flag with a black cross on a white ground, and takes one of the picket-straps. It has a small strap 011 one leg to go round the B picket when carried by

No.

.2

mounted.

other two pickets are identical, except that one (the B picket) carries a flag with a single black vertical line on a white ground, while the other (the C picket) has a flag like the picket, and takes the second picket-strap,

The

THE PICKET BUCKETS.

The Mark IV buckets are of brown leather. They are in sets of 2, one for each stirrup, so that the picket may be carried on either side of the rider, as may be found convenient. The large buckets take two pickets each, the small ones one picket only. Each bucket is fitted with a loop, through which the stirrup leather is passed, and with a strap for attachment to the stirrup
iron.

The buckets receive the lower ends of the tripod pickets, the upper ends being slung by a strap to the arm of the rider. Buckets Marks I, II, and III are obsolete.

11

\
CHAPTER
A
MOUNTED range-finding party
assistant,
II.

METHOD OP CARRYING THE EQUIPMENT BY A MOUNTED PARTY.

No. 2 the
consists of No. 1 the range- taker, No. 3 the horse-holder. The equipment is carried by Nos. 1 and 2 as follows No. 1 carries the instrument in the case strapped over the left shoulder so that it may rest behind his right elbow just clear of the hip. The instrument is kept from jolting by the waist-belt, which is passed through the loop of the leather case and buckled
:

in front.

On the left side of the waist-belt are carried the metallic cord and steel tape in their leather pockets, through the loops of which the waist-belt is passed before it is buckled. The steel tape is put on to the front (about half-way between the seam and the buttons of the jacket or tunic), the cord is put on close
behind
it.

C picket. It rests in one of the buckets which are attached to the stirrups. A strap is passed round the picket, under one of the small straps of the The picket is thus carried like a tiag, and then round the arm.
1 also carries the

N o.

(small size)

lance.

way

No. 2 carries the A and B pickets in a similar manner to the No. 1 carries the C picket, but they are drawn together at the top by a loop on the picket strap, and strapped together at bottom by the little strap on the A picket. The buckets should be put on to the front of the stirrups so that they may be on the outside of the feet when mounted.
Formation.

The party
off side of

ride in line

No.

on the near

side,

No. 2 on the

the horse-holder.

Dismounting.

At the command from No. 1, Halt Dismount, No. 1 dismounts first. To do so, he takes up his picket and passes it from right to left across the saddle, point downwards under his left hand. He then dismounts in the usual way and giving his horse to No. 3, goes round by the front and takes the two pickets from No. 2. No. 2 then dismounts in the usual way, and giving his horse over to No. 3 receives back his pickets from No. 1. Nos. 1 and 2 proceed to the front on foot, and the horse-holder takes the horses under cover according to directions from No. 1.

12

Mounting.
signal from No. 1 the horse-holder rides up with the horses, that of No. 1 on the near, that of No. 2 on the off side. At the command from No. 1, Mount, No. 2 mounts first and then receives his two pickets from No. 1, who, after giving them to him, goes round by the front to his own horse, and mounts with his picket held under the left hand point down-

At a

wards.

When

mounted, he takes up the picket in

the saddle, places
it

lifting it across

his right hand, in its bucket.

and

13

CHAPTER
THE

TIL

USE OF THE INSTRUMENT.

principal application of the field range-finder in artillery operations is to solve practically, without calculation* or actual measurements, the following problem
:

To find

the

distance

to

any

visible

point,

from

the

ground

occupied ly the range-finding party. " This is

technically termed

taking a range."

may be found to the right or left of P from which both and P are visible, and at which a point Q may be marked such that either the angle P Q or the angle Q P shall be a right angle.
are that a position

The physical conditions necessary in order to take a range with the Watkin range-finder from any point P to any object (fig. 1),

FIG.

2.

* There are certain cases when, although the limits of the instrument are exceeded, it is still possible to find the correct range. In these exceptional cases a (See Chapter VIII.) simplelcalculation is required.

14

at right angles to P Q. After this, setting the base so found on the base bar of the instrument, he proceeds to P, and by an observation at that

In practice the mode of proceeding is usually as follows (figs. 2 and 3} a picket is placed at P, object being and the range-taker, by means of the instrument, finds the right angle point Q and places a second picket there. He then, standing at Q, reads with the instrument the base P Q by means of a sub -base P R, which is marked by a picket R,
:

The

point reads off the range

P on the graduated cylinder. Three things, therefore, have to be done by means of the
1.

instrument
2.
3.

To To To

the right angle. find the base.

fix

take the range.

It is best to consider 1

and 3
To fix

first.

Step

1.

the right angle.

The cylinder must be turned to zero and the rack knob " " pushed to Range Right-angle (this will set the mirror at must look and the observer through the end eyehole 45),
marked
for right

angle and range.

The

sliding collar should be

at the stop.

Let the observer's position be Q' or Q" (fig. 3) to the left of the object the distance to which is required. the picket P, and
,nl

p..
\

\
\

FIG.

3.

15
this position, looking at through the unsilvered horizon the will see the image of of the observer glass, portion the picket P reflected in the silvered portion of the glass towards P' or P" at right angles to P Q' or P Q" (figs. 4 and 5).

From

FIG.

6.

Then, by advancing or retiring as may be necessary he will be able to reach a point Q at which the object and the reflected image of P coincide in the glass (fig. 6-). This will fix the right angle.
To take the range. Step IIL the that Assuming right angle has been fixed and marked by a picket Q (fig. 7), and that the length of the base P Q has been ascertained (by step 2, which remains to be described), it is desired to take the range to 0. First the base P Q must be marked on the base arm by means of the sliding collar, and then the instrument, being in other respects set as for finding the right angle, must be taken to the picket P, and placed upon it with the ring which is marked on the case exactly over the picket head. The observer using the end eyehole marked " Range Right " angle will now see the image Q' of the picket Q reflected at right angles to P Q in a direction S to the right of (figs. 7
8).

and

m
FIG.
8.

N
902 \

FIG.

7.

FIG.

9.

16

He must now revolve the cylinder (thus causing Q' to move towards 0) until the object seen direct and the reflected image Q' exactly coincide (figs. 7 and 9) when this has been on the cylinder will be the required range. done, the reading What has been described as steps 1 and 3 amounts to this Two right angles inwards are made ; first Q P at Q, and then Q P S at P (fig. 7), in doing which the instrument is used like a common sextant, the mirrors being inclined to one another at 45. After this, the instrument remaining in its last position, P, the
;

right angle at that point is altered by revolving the cylinder so that P S, but Q' (the image of Q) is no longer reflected at right angles at the smaller angle P 0.

Now
from
and
the

the longer the

range

is,

right angle

QP

S,

and

P differ the less does the angle are the the turns therefore fewer

wliicli it is

necessary
the above

to

give to the cylinder to

make Q' move from S

scale on the
is,

coincide ivith O.

From

it is

easy

to see

how by engraving a

cylinder, such scale can be made to record the actual range, that P in every instance. the particular value of

not appear liow the reading on the cylinder applicable every range independent of the length of were shorter, the angle the base, for it is evident that (fig. 7) P Q would be greater and vice versa, although the length of Q O This difficulty is met by the use of the base bar, remained unaltered. ivhich enables the movement given to the index glass by each turn of the cylinder to be increased or diminished according to the position of the sliding collar. By this contrivance it is arranged that in proportion as the base is longer for any given range, the greater is the movement of the index glass corresponding to any given number of turns of the cylinder, and therefore (Jig. 7) the greater the resulting deviation of the reflected image Q' from the right angle Thus within certain limits the necessary compensation is effected to enable the one scale in the cylinder to be made use of whatever the
hoivever,
it

So far,
is

may

to

ifPQ

OPS.

length

of base

may

be.

To find the base. Step II. of the figures 3 and 1, Q is the right lettering Following to the range picket P reference with in position angle picket The base to be found is P Q. (fig. 10).

FIG. 10.

FIG. 11.

A'

FIG. 12.

17

From P at right angles to P Q a sub- base P R (which is usually the length of the metallic cord, i.e., 6 yards) is marked by a picket R. The cylinder must be turned to zero, the rack knob pushed to Base (thereby setting the mirrors parallel), and the length of the sub-base recorded on the base bar. The observer should now stand at Q facing Q R, holding the instrument immediately over the picket Q, and should look through the side eyehole marked JBase, when he will see the pickets P and R with their reflected images immediately undei their natural ones in the horizon glass (fig. 11). If he now commences to revolve the cylinder the images seen by reflection will travel to the left (tig. 12), and he will finally be able to make the reflected image of R coincide with the natural image of P. In this position the reading on the cylinder scale will be the distance P Q required.
The principle involved in the operation just described is the same as that already investigated when considering step 3. As long as the cylinder is at zero, the glasses are parallel, and the natural and reflected images coincide, but when the cylinder is
thrown
revolved the index glass is displaced and the reflected images are to one side, to an extent proportional to the number of turns

given to the cylinder.

7
Fm.
The sub-base
is,

13.

P Q

}{,jig. 13, being fixed at 6 yards,* the smaller the greater is the required movement of the index glass, and Ihe amount of this movement, as registered by the scale on ihr.

cylinder, is a

measure of

the distance

Q.

* If a sub-base other than 6 yards is made use of, the compensating action of the base bar comes into play for example, if P be 12 yards, the base bar is set to 12 instead of 6, and the movement of the cylinder is regulated accordingly.
;

(See p. 15, Explanation, Step TIL)

(4899)

18

READING THE SCALES.

FIG. 14.

19

arrow-head pointing to 850 would indicate a range of 850 yards, and when pointing to 23 it would indicate a range of 2,300
yards.

In reading a base the actual distance is the reading on the cylinder divided by 10 ; but, as already explained, in practice a base is read as if it were a range, and set on the base bar without calculation (treating the numbered divisions of the base bar as hundreds of yards). Thus, if the arrow-head points as in fig. 14 it would indicate a range of 1,015 yards. If a base were being read the figures

would really mean 101J yards, but they would be read in practice as 1,015 and set on the base bar as in fig. 15. Again, if a base happened to be 60 yards it would be read on the cylinder as 600 and marked on the base bar as shown in '
fig. 16.

(4899N

CHAPTER

IV.

CORRECTING THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE INSTRUMENT (COMMONLY CALLED ADJUSTING THE INSTRUMENT.)

SOME experience
it
;

is

necessary to

know when

the adjustment

is

mperfect, and a practised hand and eye are needed

to correct

who

properly it should therefore never be attempted by any one has not been trained for the purpose. A good instrument will seldom require the adjustment corrected, but it should invariably be tested before commencing a day's work, and again, if possible, after riding long distances, or over very rough ground.

There are two adjustments

1.

The

horizontal or ordinary adjustment, the correction of

which,
2.

necessary, everyday duty.

when

is

a part of the range-taker's

vertical adjustment, which is rarely imperfect, and the correction of which, except on active service, should be considered an instrument-maker's repair. To test the adjustment, open the lid, set the cylinder to zero, the rack knob to base, and the sliding collar to the stop (that is to 6 on the scale). If in proper adjustment the ii:dex and horizon glasses are now parallel, and by looking through the side eyehole at any sharply defined vertical line at from 200 to 300 yards distance, it willVppear in the upper and lower part of the horizon glass as a single unbroken line (fig. 17). If the line he broken (fig. 18) when the instrument is held level to the object, the horizontal

The

adjustment requires correction.

FIG. 37.

FIG. 18.

best objects to look at are the sides of buildings, poles, sign-posts, or corners of walls, but the stems of trees can b& made use of, and on an emergency a picket folded and held upright will answer the purpose. To correct the. horizontal adjustment, unscrew the adjusting key, apply it to the square shoulder of the regulator, and turn it towards the lower portion of the line until the two come
together.

The

After this shift the rack knob from base to right angle, and back again twice, and look again to see if the adjustment remains correct ;* if it does so, nothing further is required.
* It is desirable to gel a small piece of pointed steel made to fit the capstan screw of the jaws which hold the regulator, and to tighten these jaws occasionally. If they work loose, the instrunj'jnt will get out of adjustment very quickly, A very gentle pressure should be applied, however.

21

To connect

the vertical adjustment, a small screw-driver

is

required. First put the instrument in exact horizontal adjustment, then look at some well-defined object as before, only let it be one which has some point on it which can be distinctly Bring this point to the dividing line in the horizon recognised. Give a very slight turn to the cylinder and note if the glass. two images as they separate appear on a level. If not, and one is below the other as in fig. 19, the vertical adjustment needs correction. Apply the screw-driver to the small screw just above tbe horizon glass. If the reflected image is too low turn from left to right when facing the screw, and vice versa.

FIG. 19

incorrect.

XJNIVER8IT1
"

"

CHAPTER

V.

CARE OF INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT.

Care of Instruments.
IF properly cared for, an instrument should remain in good order for several years. Constant wear will in time cause a falling off in accuracy, but the process is a very gradual one,

and can never account

unfit for use.

for

an instrument becoming suddenly

Range-finders should never be exposed to rough treatment. Like hunting watches they will bear a considerable amount of fair wear and tear, but are put entirely out of order by ill-usage. The following points are of importance 1. Service instruments (as distinguished from those appropriated for instruction) should never be handled by persons untrained in the proper way of using them. 2. On no account should any of the small screws be taken the adjustment and the out or interfered with occasional tightening of the regulator is all that should be attempted by range-takers. 3. An instrument should always be carried by the rangeIt should never be taker, never on a limber or wagon. sent with baggage unless packed in a separate box, as glass is packed, with some soft material round it to form an elastic cushion. 4. In barracks or camp, and on the inarch in wet weather, the cylinder screw and all the steel parts should be slightly oiled with mineral oil to prevent rust. This 5. Before use, the oil should invariably be removed. should also always be done before a march in dry
:

'

6.

?.

dusty weather. mirrors should be wiped occasionally with a piece of clean chamois leather or soft linen. " In moving the rack knob from " base to *' range," and vice versa, care should be taken not to do it with a violent jerk, but by a firm pressure to ensure actual contact with the blocks. A slight click only should be

The

heard.

Care of Equipment.
1.

The

2.

the same leather parts of the equipment require treatment as saddlery. Special precautions must be .taken in tropical climates to prevent its perishing. The tripod flags when soiled, should be taken off and washed.

23
3.

The

metallic cord should be kept as dry as possible, and always wound up after use. It should not be trodden on, nor should it be knotted (except at the end outside

A good cord may be known by its being

where a bad one
will easily kink,
4.

the shuttle).

perfectly flexible,

and soon split. The steel tape should be wiped dry, and carefully wound up after use. If damp it will rust, and if twisted it will easily break. The handle must never be reversed. The tape should not be used for measuring sub-bases,
but only for testing the c6rd.
occasionally.
It

should be oiled

CHAPTER

VI.

PRELIMINARY OR POSITION DRILLS.

THIS part of the subject can only be acquired by practice under a competent instructor, who will show how each operation is performed by going through the various movements himself. For reference, however, the various positions are here
described.

PLANTING PICKETS.
The A picket is planted with the flag to the Jo plant a C picket (fig. 20).
FAR PICKET
left.

LC

LEFT_
~

TEC

RIGHT

PICKET

Fm.

20.

The picket is held about the middle point in the right hand, the instrument reversed being held up to the eye just over the right foot, which is slightly advanced. The picket is turned with the flag to the right, the two near picket legs being held in the whole hand, with the exception of the forefinger, which is circled round the far picket leg. To plant the picket, the right foot is held quite steady and the weight of the body thrown upon it. 1. The far picket leg is thrown to the right front.
2.

The left by the

picket leg being released by the hand is caught left foot and extended straight to the left, while at the same time the right picket leg is drawn by the right hand to the right rear, and the picket thus extended so that its head is exactly over the right foot and the flag pointing to the right.

25
slight adjustment by the right hand sets the picket in correct position. After being thus planted the picket ought not to need moving more than an inch or two when the instrument is placed

Any such movement is performed by the right hand one picket leg at a time. to applied To plant a picket and lay out a 6-yard sub-base. The and C pickets being planted, No. 2 turns the crosshead of the picket on to the C picket, and then with the metallic cord in his right hand and the B picket in his left, looks over the line of the crosshead which is at right angles to the base, and takes up a line for the sub-base. He then proceeds as follows
upon
it.

A A

1.

Hooks the S hook

picket.

of the cord to the button of the

line, letting it

2.

Extends the cord in the correct through the right hand till drawing it taut.
Still

fully extended,

run loosely but not

3.

4.
5.

6.

holding the cord slackly, takes the two near legs of the B picket (flag towards the C picket) and throws out the far leg to the front, at the same time placing the others in position, the right leg straight to the right, the left one to the left rear. Changes the shuttle to the left hand. Extends the cord to full length, and with the other hand adjusts the head of the B picket to the exact end of the cord, keeping it in the correct line. Drops the shuttle, steps up to the picket, lifts the hook of the cord carefully from the button of the picket, and

then winds up the cord.

POSITION OF THE

HANDS

IN USING

THE INSTRUMENT.

Fixing the Right Angle.

First Position. The (Before planting the picket.) instrument open and reversed is held in the left hand, with the thumb (pointing upwards) on the left, the forefinger doubled under the adjusting key, and the other fingers (pointing towards the observer) on the right. The thumb must hold the body of the instrument so that it may not tip forward, and at the same time the hollow of the hand must be kept away from the sharp edges of the cover. Second Position. (Verification after planting the picket.) This position is the first position with the forefinger still under the adjusting key resting on the head of the picket, while the little finger is extended outwards to clear the picket head.

26
Finding
the Base.

The instrument is held in both hands with the middle or base eyehole in use. On the left the forefinger (outermost) and thumb (innermost) of the left hand grasp the base, and on the right the forefinger and thumb of the right hand are appplied to the cylinder, while the remaining fingers support the instrument. The instrument should not touch the picket, for fear of disturbing the right angle, but should be held immediately over it, to insure which the little finger of the left hand may be allowed just to feel the picket head.
Taking the Range.

The instrument is placed on the picket with the ring upon the base resting on the picket head. The thumb and forefinger of the right hand turn the cylinder while the middle finger underneath steadies the movement. The left hand is circled round the picket head, the forefinger and thumb extended so that the instrument may rest partly upon them.
POSITIONS OF THE BODY.

using the instrument before planting the C picket, the should be upright with the right foot slightly advanced. body When the instrument rests on the A or C picket the body should be thrown forward on the left leg, with bent knee and toes to the front, the right leg being extended backwards and kept straight with the toes to the right.*
Exceptional heights of picket often require
positions, such, for example, as kneeling

When

when

exceptional the head of the

picket

is

very low down.

* Never separate the legs and bend both knees, as the position arrived at in
that

way

is

very unsteady.

27

CHAPTER
THE

VII.

SERVICE DRILL.
range-finding party consists of No. 1 the range-taker,

and No. 2 the assistant. These having dismounted, and left their horses in charge of the horse-holder, advance in Indian file under the command of an officer, who, if necessary, first reconnoitres the position, and who points out the object to both numbers. No. 1 carries the instrument and the rest of the equipment, except two pickets (the A and the B) carried by No. 2.
If time admits of it, No. 1 will, before advancing, test the metallic cord and look to the adjustment of the instrument, assisted by No. 2. Having reached the spot chosen for commencing to take the range, No. 1 estimates the distance, and the length of base required, and directs No. 2 to plant the picket ; this done, he ascertains that it is correctly placed, and that the object is visible from the head of the picket when planted. He then takes the metallic cord from its pocket and hands it to No. 2. If the sub-base is to be 12 yards, No. 1 assists No. 2 in laying it out. The and B pickets are planted with their flags to the left.

A
1

DUTIES OF No.
No.

1.

(Figs. 3 to

9,

pp. 14, 15.)

case, opens it,* and holding it in his left hand upside down, with the picket in his The right, stands on the left of the A picket facing the object. cylinder should be at zero, the sliding collar as far from the cylinder end of the base bar as it will go, and the rack knob pushed to Eight angle. Looking over his left shoulder he takes up a guide point a little to the front of his exact left, fig. 21, and then keeping his eye on the precise point of the object he intends observing, he doubles at a quiet pacef towards the guide point till he has covered sufficient distance for his base.|

takes the instrument from

its

X
Fig. 21.

GUIDE POINT

the ground is very uneven, or the distance to be traversed considerable, it is best not to do this till the other end of the base is reached. " f About 70 paces go to 100 yards at the proper double." J It is sometimes necessary to take the guide point on the other side of the picket, a little to the right rear of No. 1, who afterwards lines himself on this and the A picket.

When

28
No. 1 then halts, and facing the object applies his eye to the right-angle eyehole of the instrument (the C picket remaining in his right hand sloped so as not to impede the view), and by reflecting the A picket on the object fixes the right angle, advancing or retiring as may be necessary in order to do so. If the A picket appears to the right of the object he retires, if to the left he advances. (Rule, Right retire.) Having approximately fixed the right angle point, No. 1 plants the C picket, and placing the instrument upon it verifies the observation, pushing the picket forward or drawing it back slightly as may be necessary to obtain exact coincidence. Having firmly planted the C picket at the right angle, No. 1 now faces the A picket, turns the instrument lid uppermost, sets the rack knob to base, and reads the base by turning the cylinder* until the B or right-hand picket of the sub-base is This he does holding reflected on to the A or left-hand picket. the instrument immediately over the C picket, but not resting on it. Having found the base, he sets it on the base bar, and pushes the rack knob back to range. No. 1 then doubles back to the A picket, and resting the instrument lid uppermost upon it takes the range by turning the cylinder until the C picket is reflected on to the object. It should be remarked that the taking up of a guide point is not absolutely necessary, but is of great assistance when the base is long, to save loss of time in advancing and retiring.

DUTIES OF No.

2.

No. 2, as soon as the A picket has been planted, places himself on the left of it, facing in the direction towards which No. 1 is to run. He holds the B picket in his left hand and the cord in his right. As soon as No. 1 commences to plant his C picket, No. 2 turns the crosshead of the A picket upon No. 1, and then looking over the other line of the cross, lays out the sub-base, planting the B picket with the flag towards No. 1. He then returns to his position at the A picket, and keeps his eye on No. 1, ready at a signal from him to stand behind the picket if required. If No. 1 takes up his C picket and moves his position. No. 2 will lower the B picket, and lay out a fresh sub-base as soon as the C picket is planted again. As soon as No. 1 leaves the C picket, No. 2 will lower the B picket, and, leaving it on the ground, will double out to the C picket and stand by it, placing himself behind it, if signalled
to do so.

On

a signal from No. 1 that he has taken the range, No. 2

will bring in the

picket.

* In the eye, it is convenient to begin by setting the practice, to avoid fatiguing the approximate base. cylinder to the point which indicates

29
It at any time, by accident, either A, B, or C picket is shifted while No. 1 is *at the other end of the base or crossing, No. 2 will at once lower that picket, and not set it up again until No. 1 indicates by a signal that he understands what has

occurred.

VARIATIONS IN THE DRILL FOR CASUALTIES.

The variations which are recognised in the necessary to meet the following casualties
:

drill

are those

1.

DIMINISHED NUMBERS WITH COMPLETE EQUIPMENT.

No. 1 disabled.

(a)

(b)

works alone. No. 2 disabled.

picket.

No. 2, if qualified, becomes No. 1 and No. 3 carries one picket when mounted. No. I works alone, and No. 3 carries one No. 2 remains with the horses, and No.
1

(c)

No. 3 disabled. works alone. No.

1 working alone, in the above three cases.

When

No. 1 works alone he has to lay out the sub-base for

:

himself as follows

A picket he lines himself with it and the object at cord's length, and then, if the range is estimated io be under 3,000 yards, takes a side pace in the direction of the C picket (that is, to the right or left according as the base The side pace so taken must be is to be to the right or left). in length according to the estimated range, as follows, for a sub-base of 6 yards
Having planted the
:

Estimated Range 1,000 yards

2,000
2.

pace of 18 inches. half pace of 9 inches.

FULL NUMBERS WITH EQUIPMENT INCOMPLETE.

(a)

B or C picket wanting.
A

The

A picket is planted as usual,

;

and the remaining picket is used as a C picket No. 2 marks the end of the sub-base by holding the shuttle
(b)

The

at arm's length towards the picket. One of the remaining pickets picket wanting. must be placed for the picket, and the other be used as a C picket. No. 2 must mark out the sub-base as in (a), but he will have to hook the cord to the leather ring of the flag, and must get the direction of the sub-base as described for No. 1 working alone. No. 1 will therefore be required, if the object admits of a doubt, to put No. 2 in position before'leaving the picket to fix the right angle,

The one remaining picket wanting. in this case as an picket. No. 2 gives the base as in (a) or (b).
(c)

Two pickets

is

used

30

No. 1, if he cannot mark the right angle point with a sword or other substitute for a picket, proceeds as follows Having fixed the right angle he finds the base as usual, and then summoning No. 2 to him causes him to stand in exactly the
:

position he has himself occupied when fixing the right angle, and thus supply the place of a C picket while the range is being taken.* Lay out the sub-base with the tape. (d) The cord lost. Where the ground admits of it, the Cord and lost. (e) tape base is found at once by pacing ; but if this cannot be done, a sub-base of any length from 6 to 12 yards is

put out and measured by pacing, and this sub-base is set on the base bar. The pacing should be done more than once, and the mean
taken.

N.B.
cases.
3.

Much

care

is

needed

to

obtain good results in the last two

The

DIMINISHED NUMBERS WITH EQUIPMENT INCOMPLETE. following is the only case for which special directions
:

can be given

No. 1 working alone with only two pickets.

No. 1 plants one picket as an A picket (A, fig. 22) then having fixed the right angle C and planted the other picket as a C picket, he obtains the base A C thus Stretching the cord he stands so that from the C picket in line with the object
;
:

OBSERVER
FlG. 22.
sure that No. 2 stands on the exact spot is for No. 1 to make a half turn on one foot so as to mark the ground, and for No. 2 to place his heel in the place thus marked.
to
*

A good way

make

31 the distance of the cord from the C picket, he reflects A picket upon the object by turning the cylinder (sliding collar set 6). This will give the
his

eye

may be just

and

in this position

base

A C.

TWELVE- YARD SUB-BASE.

To lay out a 12-yard sub-base, the three pickets are used and No. 1 superintends. First, a six-yard sub-base is laid out in the usual way from the A picket and the C picket is placed to mark the end of it. Then a second length of 6 yards is laid out from the C picket in exact line with the A and C pickets, and the B picket is planted to mark the end of it. The C picket is then taken away. N.B. No. 1, working alone, can not lay out a 12-yard subbase unless he has three pickets.
;

CHAPTER
SECTION
I.

VIII.

APPLICATION OF THE DRILL.

SERVICE RANGE-FINDING.

FOR ordinary artillery ranges taken from fairly favourable ground, no calculation whatever is required. Actually the scales on the base bar and cylinder admit of finding ranges without calculation from 450 to 5,000 yards with bases from (30 to 130 yards, and sub-bases of either 6 or 12 yards but though possible up to 5,000 yards, range-finding without calculation should generally be restricted to ranges
;

under 3,500 yards.

The

telescope should be used for distances of 3,000 yards or

upwards.

TABLE FOR RANGE-FINDING WITHOUT CALCULATION, SHOWING APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF BASE DESIRABLE AND THE MAXIMUM
TIME ADMISSIBLE FOR QUICK

WORK ON FLAT GROUND.

Range.

33

Double yards for bases over 130 yards (120 in Mark ranges not exceeding 10,000 yards.

III),

with

Working in half yards.

For this the sub-base of 6 yards is treated as 12 half yards, and is accordingly set as twelve on the base bar. The working is otherwise exactly as usual, but the range finally obtained is read in half yards, and must therefore be halved
for the distance in yards.

Example
Sub-base of 6 yards is set 12 on the base bar. Base reads 700, and is set on the base bar.

Range reads

1,900 (half yards).

yards.

Working in double yards.

sub-base of either 6 yards or 12 yards may be used. When the sub-base is 6 yards it is set 6, the base is read as usual in yards and divided by 2 to get it in double yards. This base (in double yards) is then set on the base bar. The range finally is read in double yards, and must therefore be doubled for the distance in yards.
(a)

Example
Sub-base, 6. Base reads . Divide by 2
.

. .

160/0 yards. 80/0 double yards.

8.

Sliding collar set to

Range reads
2,300 x

2,300. 2 4,600

distance required in yards.

is

The above case (a) is the only one in which a calculation required before setting the base.
(b)

When

the sub-base

is

12 yards.

In this case the sub-base is treated as 6 double yards, and set accordingly at 6 on the base bar. The rest of the working is as usual. The range finally obtained is read in double yards, and must be multiplied by '2
for the distance in yards.

Example
Sub-base 12 yards is set 6 on the base bar. Base reads 900 and is set 9 on the base bar.

Range reads 2,100 (double yards). 2,100x2 = 4,200 yards.

(4899)

TABLE FOR WORKING

IN DOUBLE YARDS. SHOWING SUITABLE LENGTHS OF BASE AND SUB-BASE, AND APPROXIMATE TIME REQUIRED ON FLAT GROUND.

CHAPTER

IX.
CONTINUED.*

APPLICATION OF THE DRILL

SECTION
I.

To

FIND THE RANGE BETWEEN TWO DISTANT

VISIBLE POINTS.

THIS will enable the officer commanding a battery, before advancing to a new position, to obtain some of the ranges he will probably require on arriving there. It will also be possible, by the assistance of a signalling party, to furnish batteries with their ranges from a central
position of observation, if time permit, such a proceeding desirable.

and circumstances render

Let A be the point of observation, P and (figs. 23 and 24).

Q the

distant points

Fm.
lines

23.

FIG. 24.

First take the two ranges P, Q, then lay out straight P, A Q, respectively, either towards j9, q, in the lines P and Q (fig. 23) or from them (fig. 24), making p a convenient P, and proportion of q the same proportion of Q.

Measure p q which will be the same proportional of This will give the desired range P Q. For example

Q.

Let A P = 2,000 yards. A Q= 2,500 yards. AP Make A = =20 yards.

= AQ =25
*

yards.
with the instrument
is

To understand

this chapter, a practical acquaintance

necessary.

(4899)

36

Measure p

q,

say it measures 21 yards. 21 x 100 = 2,100 = P Q.

In practice, No. 1 should pace the line A p, and, having planted a picket at p should pace the line A q and then the line p q. Calculation may be avoided thus: No. 1 when pacing Ap A </, will take two paces for every hundred yards, and then when pacing p q count a hundred yards for every second pace, and so obtain p q at once in hundreds of yards, an odd pace being
t

A picket.

50 yards. No. 2 should assist in keeping correct line. If No. 1 is pacing towards P or Q, No. 2 should stand behind the A picket and direct No. 1, when necessary, by the words " Eight '' or " Left " (meaning keep more to the right or left). If No. 1 is pacing away from P or Q, No. 2 should run out some little If No. 2 is distance, and give No. 1 a point to advance on. disabled, No. 1 must get the line by aid of the crosshead of the

To keep the exact line is very important. The length of pace is of no consequence provided it is uniform. For greater accuracy it is as well to pace the lines twice (once each way). On no account should No. 1 pace one line and No. 2 the other. No two men pace alike.
SECTION
II.

To FIND THE DISTANCE APART OF POINTS SITUATED NEAR TOGETHER.

TWO

VISIBLE

may be

is chiefly useful for reconnaissance when it desired to know approximately the length of an enemy's shelter-trenches or the distances apart of their gun-pits.* First take the range, which is assumed to be nearly the same for both points, and leave it on the cylinder; then set the instrument as for findiug a base, and without disturbing the cylinder, move the sliding collar along the base bar until the right hand point is reflected on to the left hand one. The reading so obtained on the base bar is the distance required 6 on the bar being read as 60 yards, 7 as 70, and so on. For lengths under 60 yards the working must be in half yards or quarter yards.

This problem

in double yards, but the problem

Greater lengths than 120 yards might be read off by working is not to be depended upon for over 120 because the lengths yards ranges to the two points are in such cases likely to differ materially.t
* By holding the instrument vertically the height of buildings, &c., can be taken in this way also. t The principles applied in the problem will be readily understood by any one well acquainted with the method of finding a base of which this is the exact converse, except that tV scales are here read as for a range and base, instead of as for a base

and

sub'base.

37

SECTION

To CORRECT THE ERROR IN RANGE RESULTING III. FROM HAVING SET A WRONG BASE ON THE BASE BAR.

Let the true base be B.

Thenrn

The base set by mistake b. The resulting incorrect range

False base.

R.

True
:

base.
:
:

b
/.

B
false

False range.

True range That is Divide the

B =B X r
range by the

True range.

false base,

and multiply

by

it will be seen how to get the longest range possible with any given base, under 60 yards. For example, suppose the range to be nearly 5,000 yards and the longest base available to be 5# yards. Set the base 60 and read the apparent range, say 4,980.

the true base. From the above

83 x 58 4,814, gQ a distance which could not have been measured in half yards.
The true range
'

4 98

X 58

SECTION IV. To FIND THE APPROXIMATE TRUE RANGE WITH AN INSTRUMENT WHICH IS BELIEVED TO READ TOO SHORT OR TOO LONG.
First take the range with an actual base of any convenient length, then take it with an actual base of double that length. Compare the two ranges. If they do not differ, it may be assumed that the reading is the true range, but if they do differ, take the difference between them, then if the reading with the longer base is the longer reading add the difference to it ; if it is the shorter reading deduct the difference from it. The result will be the true range. The foregoing process is only true when the instrument is in fair order, other than in reading short or long. In particular the parallelism must be correct.

Example

Base 90 yards Reading 1,700. Base 180 yards (set in double yards)
Difference 100.
1,800

Reading

1,800.

+
2

100

1,900 true range.

Example

Base 64 yards Reading 1.800. Base 128 yards Reading 1,700.

Difference 100.

1,700
Rule

!:o

100

1,600 true range.

The longer the base
the truer the range.

remember

CHAPTER

X.

RANGE-FINDING TO MOVING OBJECTS.

THE Watkin Field Range-finder is not generally suitable for the observation of moving objects, but by uniting the rangefinding parties of two batteries, the ranges of captive balloons and of objects moving slowly, can be found with ease and rapidity, especially the men and guns of batteries in action, which though not stationary are in movement only within the limits of the position occupied.

To FIND THE RANGE OP A MOVING OBJECT.

Party.

Two

Equipment.

Two
One

certificated range-takers

and one

assistant.

Class I range-finders. metallic cord.

N.B.

Pickets are not required. Duties.

pointed out the object, No. with his range-finder will take up a covenient position on the ground and will remain stationary. No. 2 (the range-taker of the second battery), will run out
officer in

The

command having

range-finder a suitable base, and will roughly righthimself 011 the head of No. 1 and the angle object. No. 3 (the assistant) will accompany No. 2, and as soon as the former has right-angled himself, will hold out the six-yard cord in line with No. 2 and the object, No. 2 holding the hook, and No. 3 the shuttle. The two men should close their hands and hold out the cord toAvards each other at arm's length. Directly the cord is extended, No. 1 will read off the base in the usual manner, by reflecting the hand of No. 2 on to the hand of No. 1. This done, he will hold up his hand as a signal, when No. 2 will drop his end of the cord (which No. 3 will wind up). No. 1 will set the base he has read on the base bar, and by holding up both arms, give a signal to No. 2 that he is ready. The two (No. 1 and No. 2) will then simultaneously reflect each other on to -the object, the point reflected by each being about 2 inches in front of the face of the other as seen when the rangefinder is held up to the eye. In this operation No. 1 must keep perfectly steady, merely turning the cylinder. No. 2 must move his body backwards or forwards to preserve the coincidence at right angles. If necessary he will take one or more full paces forward or back, keeping, however, carefully to his distance from No. 1. Should the movement of the object under observation be so great that he is compelled to shift his ground considerably, he will (with No. 3) exhibit a fresh sub-base, on seeing which No. 1
with,

his

39
will correct his heading of the base and the two will proceed as before. reading of the range should be taken every 30 seconds, and if the object is moving regularly in any given direction, the increase or decrease of the range per half minute should be noted, so that an allowance may be made at the battery in fuze

and

elevation.

No. 2 in working should stand invariably with the left leg forward and bent, and the right leg straight in rear. He must
learn to move his body steadily and follow the the object, taking a fresh pace when necessary.

movement

of

INSTRUCTION IN RANGE-FINDING TO MOVING OBJECTS.

Careful training is required. The first exercises should be with stationary objects, of ascertained distance, the ranges being found as if they were moving.

the range-takers to wear white gloves material round the hands. If No. 1 some white wrap when reading keeps the thumb of his left hand just behind the rack knob of the instrument, it will be the proper point for Xo. 2 to reflect. Similarly if No. 2 puts the thumb of his right hand on to his range-finder just below the back of the rack knob (taking care not to impede the reflections), lie will give a
It is of assistance for

or to

correct point to No. 1. When the two numbers can take the range of stationary objects correctly, they should be exercised on a man or horse moving directly out or in, first at a walk, afterwards at a trot, and finally when they are thoroughly proficient in this, they should practice on men, horses, or wagons, crossing their front at various paces and distances, the hardest exercise of all beingcavalry crossing the front at short ranges. To test the accuracy of observation on objects moving in or The out, range-finding cards, Plates III, IV, V, should be used. moving party should be directed to keep an even pace and to pass certain fixed points, the distances to which are known only to the instructor. Readings should be called for at uneven intervals of time, and noted by dots in the proper squares. If the readings have been correct the line joining the dots on the

card will be regular and the ranges will also be checked by the fixed points. reference to the Plates will show the use of the cards. When testing the work of trained men in right-angling on the moving object, an excellent exercise is to cause a mounted man to walk or trot in a semi-circle marked out by pickets, at a distance known only to the instructor, and for the latter to act as No. 1, keeping the cylinder set at the true range. He will then see how far the No. 2 can follow the movements of tho

object.

40

CHAPTER

XI.

To TEST A WATKIN RANGE-FINDER WITHOUT SPECIAL APPLIANCES WHERE THERE ARE NO ACCURATELY MEASURED TEST RANGES. THE following tests should be applied by an efficient rangetaker* General examination. See that the case has not been dented, that the works are neither rusty nor clogged with oil, and that none of the parts are broken or deficient. In particular, ascertain if the steel bar spring and base bar spring both work properly (this can be done by running out the cylinder, and then trying the resistance of each bar with the finger), and see that the rack knob can be moved backwards and forwards without a violent jerk, and is at the same time firm enough not to shift when the-instrument is shaken. Put the instrument in adjustment, and see II. Adjustment. that it is not affected by shaking, or by the movement of the rack knob (see page 20). After adjustment push the sliding collar III. Parallelism. slowly along the base bar, and note if at any point the adjustment is thrown out. If this occurs it shows that the steel bar and base bar are not truly parallel when the cylinder is at zero. If the fault is at one point only, it indicates the evidence of a bend or dent, but if the alteration is gradual as the collar moves away from the point at which the adjustment was made, the fault is probably due to wear in the point of the collar or in the point of the cylinder screw. IV. Graduation. With a base of about 100 yards, take a range of about 2,000 yards. Then, without moving the pickets repeat the observation of the same range with the sliding collar set at every large division of the base bar in succession, and from the readings so obtained calculate the true range in each The ranges when worked out case (Chap. IX, Section III). should differ very slightly one from the other. Assuming the parallelism to be correct, any error detected by this test must be attributed to defective graduation of the cylinder or base bar. V. Accuracy. Test the right angle as follows Take a range of about 1,200 yards on flat ground: first with a base of about 60 yards, then from the same spot with a base of 90 yards, and again with a base of about 120 yards. Note the values obtained. Do the same with two or three other ranges, not exceeding 2,000 yards. If the values closely agree in each set, the right angle may be accepted as correct , but if there occurs in every set a progressive increase or diminution in the reading as the base is increased, it proves that the instrumental right angle is not a true one (see Chapter IX., Section IV).
:

I.

To

test

an instrument thoroughly

is

a day's work,

41

The readings must be repeated at every point several times, and the average reading only accepted. A fresh sub-base should be set out each time, and the base read again for every
reading of the range.
Condemnation of Instruments.

No precise rule can be laid down as to the defects which render an instrument entirely unserviceable, but it is plain that a range-finder could be of little use if under Test IV, the variation in the average readings of ordinary ranges amounted to 50 yards or similarly if under Test V the difference in the readings with two bases, one double the other, were to average 50 yards. For the limits of instrumental error usually allowed, see
page
42.

42

CHAPTER
THE
errors

XII.

ERRORS IN RANGE-FINDING.
in range-finding are of two kinds 1. Instrumental or index error, that is, error in the particular instrument used.

made

due to

faults

Personal error, that is, error due to inaccuracy of working on the part of the range-taker or his assistant. No instrument can possibly be made absolutely perfect, and no observer, however skilful, can work without liability to a certain amount of inaccuracy.
2.
is

It is therefore important to unavoidable, and what not.

know what

proportion of error

Instrumental Error.

The total instrumental by taking the mean of accurately known ranges.

More than one
is

error

may be

approximately obtained

number

of observations of

some

series should be taken, however, before an hazarded. opinion (See page 41.) The error of a new instrument should not exceed 1 per cent, of the range when the base used is ^th of the range, and the sub-base is about ^th of the base. The error of an instrument in use as part of a service equipment should not exceed 2 per cent, of the range under the above-named conditions. If it gets to be more than that, the instrument should be returned to store for repair. Instructional instruments may be allowed, a greater margin

of error.

Personal Error.

Personal error is quite independent of instrumental error, and would be as great with an absolutely perfect as with an imperfect instrument. Personal error is commonly due to
1.

2.
3.

Inaccuracy in making coincidences. Inaccuracy in laying out the sub-base. Inaccuracy in holding the instrument exactly in the proper position over the picket when verifying an
observation.

(1) Inaccuracy in

making

coincidences.

rally

is limited, and may be genetaken as incapable of appreciating a difference of less than one minute* of angle with the naked eye, or of about 30 seconds with the telescope belonging to the range-finder.t

The power

of the

human eye

* One minute of angle is the difference caused by observing one instead of the other edge of a tree one foot thick, at about 1,200 yards distance. f Theoretically a greater accuracy than this is obtainable with the telescope, but in practice a portion of the advantage is lost.

43

The shorter the base is in proportion to the range, and the sub-base in proportion to the base, the greater is the error in the range caused by inaccuracy in making coincidences. Hence it is very important always to take as long a base as
possible.
(2) Inaccuracy in laying out the sub-base.

error in the 6-yard sub-base makes an error of of the ji^-th range, that is to say, about half-a-yard per 100 yards of the range. If the sub-base is laid out too short, then the range read is too long, and vice versa. The error in range caused by the sub-base being too short or too long is half as great with a 12-yard sub-base, as it is with one of 6 yards. The error in laying out a 6-yard sub-base should never exceed 1 inch if the cord is properly measured. If the sub- base is of the correct length, but laid out in a wrong direction, it will have the same effect as if it were of incorrect length, see fig. 25, where A B is the sub-base correctly

Every inch

11 B

FIG. 25.

laid out,

wrong

and are the same lengths laid out in a B', direction with regard to the base C.*

AB"

(3) Inaccuracy in holding the instrument over the picket.

Any

inaccuracy in the position of the instrument

when

* It will be seen by the figure that an error in direction away from C is of also that the error of range is in both cases greater consequence than towards it one of excess.
;

44

making a coincidence correct, and this error

is short,

will cause the angles measured to be inwill be greater in proportion as the base

both absolutely and as compared with the range. With a range of 1,000 yards and base of 100 yards the error caused by holding the instrument one inch too far forward or back at either the A or C picket would be about 2-8 yards with the same base the error at 3,000 yards would be 24*8 yards while with a base of 60 yards and a range 3,000 yards the error would be 67*9 yards.
;

slight variation in the position of the instrument when reading the base is, however, of little consequence hence it is not necessary to rest the instrument on the picket in this
;

operation.

The limits of personal error which may be considered unavoidable are found by experience to be 1 per cent, of the range. For distances under 3,000 yards, taken without the telescope, with base about -g^th of the range. 1 per cent, of the range. . For distances from 3,000 to 5,000 yards, taken with the telescope, the base being about -g^th of the
.

range.

The
exceed

average error of a per cent.

good range-taker should

not, however,

CAUSES OF ABSOLUTE FAILURES.

An error of 7 per cent, or more in a range may be considered an absolute failure, as contrasted with mere inaccuracy,
however
failures
1.
:

great.

The following

are the most

common

causes of absolute

2.

The instrument being very much out of adjustment or in a damaged condition. The cylinder not being at zero when the right angle is
taken.

to Range or Base. 4. The cord being of wrong length. 5. wrong base being set on the base bar. 6. The picket being moved after the C picket has been placed (an awkward No. 2 will often do this in laying out the base). 7. The C picket being moved by No. 1 when reading the base, or by No. 2 when he has crossed over to it. 8. The eye being directed on different objects or different parts of the same object from the opposite ends of the base. Of these the first seven occur only from want of training or gross carelessness, but there are cases where the object is so
3.

The rack knob not being pushed home

45
ill-defined, as, for

example, lines oi shelter-trenches in certain

lights, that

even an experienced range-taker may find it difficult to be quite sure he is observing the same point from the A and

pickets respectively.

It sometimes happens also that a natural object, such as a tree or bush, appears to be in an entirely different position with regard to other objects when seen from different ends of a long base, so that a mistake may easily be made. 3 a a a a a, Thus from (fig. 26), a the middle of the five trees will seem the tree immediately on the left of the wood W, while from C the tree a 5 will appear to be the one in the position

noted.

In hilly country, where the relative distances of objects are not easily recognised, the eye is readily deceived in this manner.

in

The only way to avoid such mistakes is to keep the object view the whole time while running over the base, and if any doubt arises, to take the range twice over and compare results.

CHAPTER
IN the
field it will

XIII.

RANGE- FINDING UNDER COVER.

be often necessary for range-takers, while keep themselves hidden from the enemy's view. This will be generally the case when they are sent on ahead to take ranges from or very near the ground which their batteries are going to occupy. To be able to do this it is necessary to constantly practice range-finding under cover, a mode of working which requires much experience, and cannot be learned
at work, to

mechanically. The cover usually available is that of hedges, low walls, Corn-fields, hop or woods, and the slopes of open ground. vine plantations, and gorse scrub also afford good cover. In every case the party on getting near the position must dismount and leave their horses where they will be safely hidden, and then advance with great caution, so that they may not be seen on their way to the ground on which they are

going to work. A hedge gives good cover when the pickets can be pushed close into it, so that objects in front can be seen through small openings, which, if not there already, can be easily cut without
attracting attention. low wall will be similarly useful if it runs in the right direction, and the party are careful not to let their heads be seen as they move along it, only raising them above the top to the height of the picket) when halted and actually (i.e., making an observation.

across the clearings, keeping men and pickets just inside the edges. 2. By working immediately in front of the trees. The former is the best way of working for short ranges, the latter for longer ones. At 1,500 yards and upwards it is extremely difficult to see men standing a yard or so in front of a wood. Slopes of ground often afford excellent cover for rangefinding, but it needs very well trained range-takers to make full use of them, as it is always a difficult matter to get cover at both ends of the base. The more gradual the slopes are, either from the front or
1.

A wood may be utilized in

By working

two ways

across the range, the better. If the slopes are steep, and entire concealment is required, it is seldom possible to get a long base where the ground is

quite open.
ficed to

In such cases, therefore, accuracy must be

extent.

sacri-

some

47

When working on the reverse slope of a hill, it is important never to move straight from one end of the base to the other, but always to retire well under cover before crossing from
picket to picket. At 1,000 yards a man's head on the crest of a hill will never attract attention as long as it is not seen to move, but a moving object against the sky is noticed directly. Range-finding under cover is a very useful exercise, apart from the question of the tactical advantages of entire concealment, because it teaches men how to avoid unnecessary exposure, and compels them to apply under difficulties every method of working they have before practised on easy ground.

48

CHAPTER

XfV.

DUTIES OF RANGE- TAKERS.

THE indispensable qualifications for the appointment of battery range-takers are good sight, good riding, and the possession of a certificate from the School of Range-Finding.
non-commissioned officer apppointed range-taker should however, rest satisfied with his previous acquirements, but should lose no opportunity of improving himself in accuracy and rapidity of work, and especially in getting a quick eye to country. He should make himself a good judge of distance, and capable of giving a fair description of the country he has ridden over, and should constantly practice himself in selecting
not,

a position for a battery and in taking the ranges to the various points likely to be of importance as seen from the position itself or from neighbouring ground. He should frequently exercise himself and his assistant in taking ranges under cover, and in the applications of the drill given in Chapter IX. On taking over an equipment he should carefully examine every article, and report any defect or deficiency to the officer commanding the battery. This examination should include the testing of the instruments. (See Chapter X.) Having once taken over an equipment, the range-taker must

remember that he is responsible for its condition, to which he should pay the greatest attention, noting particularly any deterioration in the instrument. For this purpose he should take a few test ranges every week, when in permanentquarters, from some convenient spot from which the same These ranges, together with objects can always be seen. the length of base used, he should keep a record of, and their comparison will show whether there is any change in
the average reading of the instruments. In a campaign, test ranges will seldom be available, but the instrument should be tested as often as possible by taking a range three or four times over with different lengths of base (see page 41). On the march the instrument should never pass out of the range-taker's possession. In camp it should be in charge of the guard, or hung up in the commanding officer's office
tent.

Next

is ike cord.

a new be taken great care of; the former should be tested daily. Practice for accuracy of work is absolutely necessary In two or three months without winter and summer.

to the instrument, the article needing most attention If in constant use, it will wear out quickly, and Both cord and tape ought to one will be required.

49
practice, a range-taker will, as a rule, lose quite 1 per cent, of accuracy, and after six or eight months he will at first be unable to take ranges at all.

of practising for accuracy is to select in line, or nearly so, which can be seen one from the other, and then to take the ranges from each of these Each distance will thus be points to all the other points. taken twice over, and the totals will check the work.

The best several points

way

at any time to give range-finding (see Appendix C, Section IV), and should always see that two or three noncommissioned officers or men in the battery are sufficiently trained to act as No. 2.

A battery range-taker must be prepared

instruction
in

elementary

(4899)

50

CHAPTER XV.
HINTS TO RANGE-TAKERS.
1. NEVER be in a hurry. Better take the real range in six minutes than the wrong one in two. Quickness comes from practice, not from haste. 2. Do not gallop unless it is absolutely necessary to do

so.

Never show yourself and horse against the sky. carefully over the equipment before going on coming in.
3.

4.

Look

out,

and

5.
6.

Test the cord once a day.

before going
is

Wipe the range-finder slightly when you come in.

7.

out,

and

oil

it

See that the range-finder

If

in adjustment before

going

out.

again. a tripod at about 200 yards distance. 8. Before you use the adjusting key, be quite sure

you suspect it when you get to the ground, examine it If you can get nothing better, adjust it on the legs of
it is

needed.
9. As you hold the instrument to the eye, turn the adjusting key towards the lower image. Thus if you look at a pole and its lower half seems to be to the left of the upper half, turn the key towards your left shoulder. 10. The sub-base should be about a twentieth of the base, and the base should be about a twentieth of the range, unless you use the telescope. You may, however, work up to ranges of about thirty times the base, and get good results. 11. If you want a base over IrtO yards, always have a subbase of 12 yards. " 12. Don't forget what you are working in yards," " double " half or yards." yards," 13. If your No. 2 does not do his work well, set out your base yourself. 14. Keep a little book and pencil for your calculations, but practice doing them in your head. 15. Taking ranges under cover on a hill-side, look at the ground well before you begin. Set one picket as far forward as it will go without exposure, and the other as far back as it If proper positions will go, without losing sight of the object. for the pickets cannot be found between these limits by moving one a little back, the other a little forward, you must try a

different base. 16. On hilly ground you must take the best base you can, for you cannot always get one of the exact length you would
like.

51
17.

pick out one you are sure to

base.
18.

Remember you always take ranges to a point, therefore know from both ends of your
Taking
shelter-trenches,
side.
it is

not safe to observe the

apparent end on either

The best darker or lighter than the rest, and observe that. 19. Taking woods, pick out a particular tree you will know by its shape or colour; don't trust to its being the left or right tree in the wood. 20. When you want the distance to the crest of a hill, and you select a tree for your object, be sure you see the trunk ; otherwise you may find you have been observing the top of a high tree on another hill across a ravine, and so getting much too long a range. 21. In a high wind remove the flags. 22. When accompanying the battery, work on the flank or behind the line of limbers, never for choice between limbers and

when you move.

You may see more of the trench way is to pick out a spot of ground

guns.

when giving in the range. Remember that the exact permanent error per cent, is to be allowed for only when the base is -^th of the range. Longer
circumstance
24.

Don't forget to add or deduct the distance you are from the guns before reporting the range. 23. If you know that the instrument has a permanent error of so much per cent., short or long, do not forget to report the

bases in proportion to the range give less error, and shorter bases more error.

(4899)

D 2

52

CHAPTER

XVI.

THEORY OF THE INSTRUMENT.*

The Mirrors.
the unsilvered part of the Let A be the picket, the at the angle reflection of which falls first on the index glass it passes off at the angle /3', and falls /3, and from upon the horizon glass (silvered portion) at the angle 77, and from it again Let 6 be the angle at which the to the eye at the angle rf. mirrors are to each other, and a the angle between the object and the picket.

LET E be the eye looking through

horizon glass

at the object 0.

FIG. 27.

By

the optical law gle of incidence

= angle
=

of reflection.

Now by
angles.

Euclid the exterior angle

the two interior opposite

Therefore

Adding
/3

That
But

is

the angle a

=
a

PFN + FNP.
=
2(9.

Therefore
If then

0=

45, a

90.

* See also Chapter III.

53
The Range-finding Triangle.

The conditions required for solving the range-finding triangle A C are that we should know the base A C and the angle
C, the

angle

to measure the point angle, right angles to A C, and measure the angle D A 0, which is equal to the angle A C. This is done in taking the range with the instrument.

much

as

we are unable to get at the we must find a line A D at

AGO being always a right angle.

But

inas-

ex,

C
FIG. 28.

the cylinder is set to zero (the mirrors being set at the picket C will be seen reflected in the direction D, at On the cylinder being revolved the image right angles to A C. moves to the left, and is brought to coincide with the object 0. The inclination of the mirrors is a measure of the angle D, but, as explained in Chapter III, the position of the sliding collar alters the inclination of the mirrors, and, being set to the base, the cylinder gives the range due to that base.

When

45)

Measurement of

the Base.

FIG. 29.

triangle, similar to

C, Fig. 29, a small range-finding in the previous figures, is worked out. As we are, however, in this instance, at the station C, we can obtain the angle A C B, which A B subtends, by reflecting the picket B on

In measuring the base

CA

54
to A. If then the sliding collar be placed at the distance A B on the base scale, the cylinder will mark the distance AC. As A B is always 6 yards, the sliding collar is, for this operation, placed at the mark 6, representing 60 yards in the range-triangle. The results obtained are therefore ten times the true ones thus the same scale on the cylinder does for both bases and ranges, if It is advisable, however only in the former we divide by ten. always to read this scale as for ranges, multiplying the base Thus a scale on the base bar by ten so as to avoid confusion. base of 110 yards would be read as 1,100 yards, and the sliding collar set to 11. If a tape of 10 yards were used, the same result for A C would be obtained the sliding collar by setting to the mark 10 before reflecting the image of B on to A.
;

Object of the Sliding Collar.

Suppose object, distant 1,000 yards, A C a base of 120 C will be and D a C base of 60 yards. The angle A yards, double the angle and generally, if A G=n D C, the C= n times the angle DOC. angle A
an

DOC,

for

As there is only one given position of the any given range, some arrangement had

cylinder and screw to be devised by

inclination of the mirrors might be altered, irrespective of the screw, so as to cause them to assume a greater inclination for a large base than for a small one. This is arrived at by means of the arm (Plates I and E arm F G. As the collar with the bearing against sliding II), and W, it is evident that the further these two arms pivot at the greater will be the movement of the slide is away from the arm F IT (and consequently of the mirror fixed to it), for any definite movement of the screw Y.

which the

WD

55

USE OF INSTRUMENT FOR SURVEYING,

&o.

THE
purposes

be useful in taking angles between

;

following table of angles corresponding to ranges will objects for surveying

Range.

56

PAET

HI.

(PROVISIONAL).

THE WATKIN FIELD TELEMETER.

THE RANGE-FINDING EQUIPMENT OF A BATTERY.

THE

range-finding^ equipment of a battery of Horse or Field Artillery to which the field telemeter has been issued
consists of:

2 telemeters in leathern cases with telescopes complete. 2 leathern waist belts (as for the field range-finder). 1 steel tape, Mark II, in pocket (as for the field rangefinder).

2 metallic cords,

Mark

III, in

pocket (as for the

field

range-

finder). 1 set of 3 tripod pickets field range-finder). finder).

with a linen flag each (as for the

all

4 leathern picket buckets,

small (as for the field range-

An

instrument

is

not issued specially for instruction.

PATTERNS OF INSTRUMENTS.
There are two patterns, Mark
I

and Mark

II,

they are

identical, except in material and weight. Mark I is of gunmetal and weighs 3 Ib. 13 ozs. Mark II is partly of aluminium and weighs 2 Ib. 15 oz.

The Instrument

(see Plates

VI to fX).
field

The instrument

is

double reflecting like the

range-

finder, the distant object being seen one by reflection. The parts are
:

by

direct vision, the near

The frame. The cylinder. The cylinder guide rod. The cylinder band. The compensating bar and spring. The setting screw. The screw guard. The base bar, base bar spring and sliding collar. The steel bar and spring. The double index glass. The horizon glass. The right-angle pointer. The right-angle and base eyehole with sliding shutter* The range eyehole with sliding shutter. The telescope.

57

The Frame.

The frame is fitted as in the Mark IV range-finder with a leathern bottom plate, having two recesses for the head of the picket corresponding to the range and right-angle eyeholes. The frame is of hard gunmetal in the Mark I instrument and of aluminium in the Mark II. It has on the cover the name and number of the instrument and the maker's name.
Tlie Cylinder,

Cylinder Band, and Guide Rod.

The cylinder consists of a metal barrel hollowed out and The cylinder has tapped to work on a screw guide rod. a of scale it ranges from 450 to 5,000 spirally engraved upon yards*; these are read by means of an arrow-head upon a fixed band which surrounds the barrel. The cylinder has a zero mark to show when it is fully screwed up.
Ihe Compensating Bar and Screw.

The compensating bar and setting screw are on the right of the instrument the bar is pushed forward by the screw in one direction and constrained by the bar spring to follow it in the
:

other.

The screw which is just in rear of the cylinder is protected by a guard hinged to a metal frame. The action of the compensating bar is to move the horizon
glass within certain limits.

The

Steel Bar, the

Base Bar and Sliding

Collar.

finder.

The above are for all purposes the same as in the field rangeThe base bar is graduated to 140 (in some instruments
The Double Index
Glass.

to 145).

The index glasses which are entirely silvered are fixed in frames atright angles to one another at the pivot end of the
steel bar.

The Horizon Glass.

The horizon
in the

glass

is

half silvered,

and fixed

in a

metal frame

compensating bar.
The Eight-angle Pointer.

This

is

travels over a brass plate,

a metal pointer attached to the horizon glass. It and when opposite a mark on the

* There are graduations on the cylinder beyond 5,000, but these are not to be depended on..

58
plate indicates the position of the horizon glass which gives the true right angle.*

The Telescope.

The telescope magnifies objects to about four times the natural size. It is focussed by screwing the eye-piece in and It is intended to be focussed once for all and carried ready out. for use in the pocket which is provided for it outside the leathern instrument case. For use it fits into the eyeholes, the shutters being withdrawn. Tape and Cords.
finder.

The tape and cords The cord shuttle

are the
is

same as for the field rangepainted on both sides half black and

half white.
7 he Tripod Pickets.

The tripod pickets are the same as for the Watkin Field Range-finder, but two only (the A and the B or C picket) are used in range-finding the other is spare. The flags should be painted on both sides, one side black with a white line, the other side white with a black line. The B and C pickets are exactly similar and interchangeable, as also
;

their flags.

The Picket Buckets.

The

set consists of four small

buckets of the same pattern as

The large buckets are not needed for the field range-finder. in the telemeter equipment as two pickets are never carried
by one mounted man.

METHOD OF CARRYING THE EQUIPMENT BY A MOUNTED PARTY.

This
is

generally the same as for the field range-finder.

:

The

differences are

No. No. No. No. No.

1 and No, 2 both carry a telemeter 1 carries the steel tape. 1 and No. 2 each carry a picket. 1 the right-angle picket (B or C)

and a metallic cord.

The

2 the range picket (A). spare picket is carried on a limber.

USE OP THE INSTRUMENT,

The physical conditions necessary in order to take a range with the telemeter are the same as for the range-finder (see Chapter III, Part II), but it is not necessary to make an exact right angle. A variation from the right angle is admissible to the extent caused by a movement forward (towards the object) or away from it of the base.f A deviation exceeding one

Approximately only.
setting screw allows considerably greater deyiation.

f Actually the

59
paces, is, however, to be avoided, unless greater cover is thereby obtained, as it involves an error in range, this error increasing with the extent of the deviation and amounting to as much as -f 1^ per cent, at the extreme limits allowable, which are indicated by the travel of the right-angle pointer, and by the run of the setting screw. As with the field range - finder, three things have to be

or

two

done
1.

2.

3.

To fix the right angle To find the base. To take the range.

(within certain limits of deviation).

To fix the Eight Angle. The cylinder must be set to zero, the right-angle pointer set as near as possible to right angle and the sliding collar to the stop on the base bar. The setting screw guard should be turned

down. The observer using the right eyehole makes coincidence roughly and plants the right-angle picket (B or C) as for the field range-finder, then using the setting screw he completes
the coincidence exactly (without moving the picket) and turns up the screw guard, which must not be touched again till the range has been found.*

To find

the Base.

having been marked by the assistant as in rangewith the field range-finder (Equipment incomplete, B finding picket wanting), the observer makes coincidence between the reflection of the shuttle (which marks the end of the sub-base)

A sub-base

and the

object,

by turning the

cylinder, looking while so doing,

through the right eyehole as before. cylinder scale will be the base required.f

The reading on the

To

take the Range.

left

The range
in exactly the

is

read through the

eyehole at the

A picket

same way as with the

Reading

field range-finder.

the Scales.

scales of the telemeter are read exactly as those of the field range-finder.

The

The
taker.

field

Adjustments. telemeter requires no adjustment

by the range-

CARE OF INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENTS.

rules given in field telemeter.

The

Chapter V, Part

II,

apply generally to the

* If the base bar has been bent, so that the parallelism well to readjust the right angle after setting the base. f As usual in tenths of the unit in which the range is read.

is

incorrect, it is

GO

POSITION DRILLS.

The position drills are similar to, but for the field range-finder.

much simpler, than

those

Planting Pickets.

The A (range) and C (right-angle) pickets are planted as described in Chapter VI, Part II, but the right-angle picket should be firmly driven at once as it has not got to be moved, the telemeter being adjusted to the picket, not vice versa as in the case of the field range-finder. The B picket is not used.
To
lay out a Q-yard Sub-base.

No. 2 turns the cross-head of the A picket on to the rightangle picket, and then looks over that line of the cross which is at right angles to the base, and takes up a line for the sub-base. He then
1.

Hooks the S of the cord

picket.

to the button of the range

2.

3.

4.

Extends the cord in the correct line, paying it out carefully, and taking care not to disturb the picket. Holds the shuttle upright at the level of the top of the picket and object under observation, keeping, however, the line taken up. (To do this he must sometimes raise the hand considerably, sometimes lower it.) The shuttle should be turned with the broad side towards the No. 1 that end uppermost the colour of which suits the background best. On a signal from No. 1, No. 2 drops the shuttle, steps up to the picket, unhooks the cord and winds up.
;

Position of Hands.

The position of the left hand is always as shown in Plate VII. The right hand is applied to the cylinder or setting screw when required.
Positions of Body.

The
finder.

positions of

body are the same

SERVICE DRILL.

as for the field range-

The general
No.
2,

detail

is

as well as

No.

1,

the same as for the field range-finder. should, however, be a certificated range-

taker.

No. 1 carries one instrument, one cord, one tape, and the
right-angle picket.

No. 2 carries one instrument, one cord, and the range picket.

61

Duties of No.

1.

and plants the right-angle picket securely. He then puts the telescope into the eyehole and completes coincidence by means of the setting screw. This done he turns up the screw guard, and runs the cylinder to what he thinks the base to be, and completes coincidence of base point and object, using the telescope, which he will not have needed to remove. He will then cross to the A picket and take the range roughly, using the left eyehole with shutter open, then shift the telescope from right to left eyehole, and complete coincidence. The instrument must always rest with the picket head in the
recess belonging to the eyehole in use.

No. 1 finds the right angle roughly with the shutter open,

Duties of No.

2.

after giving the sub-base to No. 1, will cross to the right-angle picket. As a rule he will take the range independently with his telemeter to confirm No. 1's reading, in which case No. 1 will give him a fresh sub-base. If No. 2 does not repeat the taking of the range he will bring in the picket, but if he also takes the range, No. 1 will

No.

2,

cross to the right- angle picket directly No. 2 has left it, and will bring it in on a sign that No. 2 has finished. On no account will No. 2 commence making his right angle till No. 1 has taken the range, and held up his hand to show that he has finished.

12-yard Sub-base.

This can only be laid out by joining the hook ends of the cords, the officer or an extra man assisting by holding shuttle to the head of the picket.

two
one

APPLICATION OF THE DRILL.

Service Range-finding.
is required for ranges up to 5,000 yards, the ground is such that the only available base is under 60 yards or over 140 yards. The telescope must, however, be employed for all except short ranges. When the range has to be taken in a different unit to yards (half or double yards) the mode of working is as given for the field range-finder (Part II, Chapter VIII, Section II.)

No

calculation

except

when

62

Table showing length of base required and time admissible on good ground with object well defined.

Range.

63

then pass the sliding collar slowly along the base bar and notice If it be altered the if at any point the coincidence is altered.
parallelism
is

proved

faulty.

ERRORS

IN RANGE-FINDING.

In addition to the causes of error enumerated in Chapter XII, pp. 44, 45, there is one which may occur with the telemeter but not with the field range-finder, namely, error caused by laying out the base in a wrong direction up and down. This will have exactly the same effect as a similar error to right or left, and the resulting error of range will similarly be always one of excess. The telemeter, as already stated, will read with a certain amount of error whenever the right angle is deviated from materially by using the setting screw over much. The exact error in range, whichever way the deviation may be, will be that due to the difference between the base actually made and the base as it would have been had the right angle been adhered to. Thus, if a range be first taken with an exact right angle and base 100 yards, and then again the (approximate) right angle being made at a point either 20 yards forward or 20 yards back from the true position, then the new (incorrect) base will read 102, and the range will be 2 yards per 100 too
long.
It will be seen from the above that the tendency of the errors likely to occur with the field telemeter are all in the direction of excess, hence a telemeter which reads 1 per cent, short is

better than one

which reads

per cent. long.

RANGE-FINDING UNDER COVER.

The field telemeter is particularly adapted for range-finding under cover, in consequence of the great choice of ground for the right-angle picket, given by the compensating horizon glass. The rules given in Part II, Chapter XIII, generally apply to
the field telemeter.

THEORY OF THE INSTRUMENT.

The general theory of the telemeter is the same as that)!: the field range-finder, see Part II, Chapter XVI. The points of difference which require notice are The compensating action of the double index glasses. 1. 2, The method of finding the base.
:

64

FIG. 31.

2 he compensating action : First consider the instrument when the right-angle pointer is set at zero. In this case both index glasses are at 45 to the horizon glass. Then if be the object (fig. 31) and A C the base, and exact right angle, C A is made by the use of the right eyehole, and (the cylinder being at zero) an exact right angle C A C' is made by the use of the left eyehole, where C' is the reflected image of the
1.

as used

picket C.
is

Here the range A 0, which is approximately equal to C 0, recorded by the instrument as A C, Cot A C, and is therefound correctly.

fore

C'

Fra. 32.

Next, suppose that for convenience the observer has left the exact right-angle position and advanced to K or retired to K', Fig. 32, and has completed coincidence of A and by use of the no now The are screw. two index longer each at setting glasses 45 to the horizon glass, but the increase in the angle on the one

65
side is exactly balanced by the decrease of the angle on the C remains unaltered. If, therefore, the true other, so that C were set on the base bar, the range reright angle base corded by the instrument would be as before C Cot But instead of C. or C, the base set is K', hence the range recorded is Cot C or K' Cot C, and the error introduced depends upon the difference between or K' and C.

A
A

A AK

AK

AK

Example.

Let C C=100 yards, Cot 10, then the true range, as recorded by telemeter, with pointer at A C Cot A C 100 x 10 1,000 yards; but if zero, the C picket has been displaced to or K' and the setting screw made use of, then the range recorded will be C or A K' Cot A C. KCot Let C K'=10 yards, then 100-5 yards

K=C

AO

A K=

(\/Ic

+ clr^X

and the range recorded will be 1,005 yards,

error of per cent. N.B. It will be noticed that the error caused by a deviation from the true right angle is always plus.

showing an

FINDING THE BASE.

Fio. 33.

THt

UNIVERSITY

34.

field range-finder, if A C is the base, Fig. 33, and the sub-base at right angles to A C, the base A C is measured from the point C by setting the horizon and index E (4899)

With the

A B

66
glasses parallel and then moving the index glass (by turning the cylinder) until the reflection of B coincides with the image A seen directly. The base so read therefore=A B Cot

ACB.

B Cot before, the base is read It is to be noted, however, that whereas in finding the base with the field range-finder, the triangle may be in any B at any angle to the plane, and therefore the sub-base vertical ; with the telemeter it is necessary that A, B, C, 0, be in one plane, hence the sub-base B must be laid out so that the points B, A, are all in one plane, otherwise the angle C B will not be equal to C + A C B, but will be smaller, an error which will cause the base read to be greater than C. This error, again, will always produce a plus error in the range found. The above will explain the circumstance that the field telemeter, in the hands of beginners, almost invariably reads the

C from C Now, with the telemeter, in order to measure (Fig. 34), the glasses are left in the position they occupied when C (0 being the object), until the cylinder forming the angle is turned to bring the reflection of B upon 0. This latter operation increases the angle C and, as by the angle

A =A

ACB.
A

ACB,

ACB

range

too long.

67

PAKT

IV.

APPENDICES.
A.

APPENDIX

REGULATIONS IN FORCE IST SEPTEMBER, 1890; RELATING TO FIELD RANGE-FINDING IN THE ROYAL ARTILLERY.
for the

The Regulations reprinted in these Appendices were most part approved before the introduction of the field telemeter. They will, however, apply to range-finding with
N.B.

the telemeter until fresh regulations are approved and promulgated.

now in course of preparation

SECTION

I.

SUPPLY OF WATKIN RANGE-FINDERS.*

The Watkin Field Range-finders in the service, of the large or Artillery pattern, will be classified as follows : Mark IV instruments, which satisfy the standard Class I. conditions of accuracy, or can be made to do so by
repair.

Mark III instruments, or Mark IV disrated, which are retained for exercise and instruction. A Watkin Range-finder, Class I, will be supplied, as part of their service equipment, to all horse and field batteries of the
Class II.

Royal

Artillery.

All horse and field batteries will also be supplied for instrucThese tional purposes, with a Watkin Range-finder, Class II. instructional instruments will not be taken by batteries proceeding on active service. A battery proceeding to a foreign station (ofclier than India) or on active service, will receive new range-finding equipment, the old equipment being returned to store. The range-finders belonging to batteries at home will be inThe spected annually by the Instructor in Range-finding. Instructor will communicate on this subject with the officers commanding batteries, who will send the instruments when required for inspection direct to him at Aldersiiot, except from Ireland, whence the instruments will be sent through the Senior Ordnance Store Officer in that country. The instruments will be returned in a similar manner to the battery if considered fit for service purposes. Batteries serving abroad will put forward demands, as a rule, every two years, for the exchange of their range-finding equipment, for the purpose of being inspected by the Instructor in Range-finding. The old equipment will be sent home by the
*
A.C.,

March, 1880, Clause

43.

(4899)

66
local

Ordnance Store

Officer to the

Commissary-General, Royal

Arsenal, Woolwich.
sheet, in duplicate (one of which will be retained the Instructor in Range-finding at Aldershot), will be by supplied by the Ordnance Store Department with each instrument, rilled in as far as possible before issue. The history

A history

sheets will subsequently be carried on to completion, as shown specimen form of history sheet. They will accompany the instruments to which they relate on all occasions of inspection or return to store.
in the

o
'Jl

53

:::::

:::!::.,

a
r/3
^CX

s s
"

:j
0)

:^S
CO

.2.

'I

of
OflBc

s w
c
b
co

Bemarks

pecting

II
: :

3
i

:.=
i
c;

::

11 3 a

i
,

SS
to

;oo
'

'

'

:w

-oo
'

if

"

ill

Sf,
d
"

9 o o

* ^.
,H

o d

of

Wd

do'o

co

cc

OQ
c? oa

SOT

d'<o** M M

70

An instrument when condemned, or sentenced to be repaired, or disrated to a lower class by the Instructor in Range-finding, An will be returned to store for transmission to Woolwich. instrument merely disrated may (if not required for instruction by the battery to which it belongs) be retained at Aldershot by the Senior Ordnance Store Officer, for issue to a battery there, for instructional purposes. The Instructor in Range-finding will communicate direct
with the Commissary-General of Ordnance, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, whenever an instrument on battery charge is condemned, or sentenced to be repaired, or disrated. When instruments on Ordnance Store charge require examination, the Instructor in Range-finding will receive an intimation from the Commissary-General of Ordnance, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, with whom he will communicate as to the place and time of inspection. When an instrument is returned to store, or sent to the Instructor in Range-finding for inspection, a report on its condition at the time will be made on a half-sheet of foolscap
paper, signed by the officer commanding the battery and pinned to the history sheet. The report will consist of answers to in the questions following form
:

Condition of Instrument, No.

Mark

Are the parts and

fittings complete and in good order ? Is the right angle correct ? Is the horizontal adjustment easily upset by shaking ? Is the vertical adjustment correct ?

Is the parallelism of the steel

The range-taker

and base bars perfect ? of the battery should be able to

give

information on these points.

Addendum.*

With reference to Clause 43, A.C. 1886, the following order will regulate the course to be pursued by officers commanding with respect to the range-finding equipment of their batteries 1. When the Instructor in Range-finding notifies to a battery that he is prepared to receive the instruments for the annual
:

inspection (which will take place, as a rule, during the winter months), the Officer Commanding will cause them to be slightly oiled, and then very carefully packed in their leather cases in a wooden box and forwarded to Aldershot. The box should be packed with tow, hay, or lumps of paper, allowing a slight play, so that if it should by accident be thrown down, the instruments may escape injury. If hay is used the instrument must be Avrapped in paper, either inside or outside the leather cases. The box should be marked conspicuously " Glass, with care,"
!

* See Beg. G-en, Orders, March, 1886, No. 19.

71

and clearly shown on the cover the battery to which Boxes should be closed by screws, not nailed down.
2.

it

belongs.

Instructor in Range-finding should be informed by of the instrument, and the history sheets should be forwarded to him at the same time, together with a statement of any deficiency noted, or any defects observed in the working of the instrument since the last inspection. 3. After the inspection is concluded the instruments will, if passed as satisfactory, be returned by the Instructor in Rangefinding to the battery.
letter of dispatch

The

SECTION

II.

RANGE-FINDING IN BATTERIES.*

All officers of Horse and Field Artillery are to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the range-finding instruments, forming part of the equipment of their batteries, a detail of which will be found in List of Changes in War Materiel, para. 4571, November, 1884. (See also par. 46201884 and 4964

1886).
file

In every battery of Horse and Field Artillery one rank and non-commissioned officer is to be appointed range-taker with extra duty pay at 6d. a-day, and one non-commissioned officer or gunner as assistant range-taker without extra pay. The range-taker's duties will include giving instruction when
required.
to be appointed in the same manner as made in a battery, and, if he is at any are ordinary promotions time found to be inefficient, or not the best qualified non-commissioned officer for the appointment, serving in the battery, the officer commanding will take steps as follows
is
:

The range-taker

(a) If the

to

range-taker has proved himself inefficient, he is be removed from the appointment subject to the

approval of the Lieutenant-Colonel

(?>)

Commanding

the

Division. If the commanding officer has reason to believe that the

range-taker is not the best qualified non-commissioned officer for the appointment serving in the battery, a competitive examination in range-finding may be held, in accordance with the instructions for the classes at the School of Range-finding at Aldershot, hereafter detailed. Should the result of this examination show that the holder of the appointment possesses inferior qualifications, to any appreciable extent, to those of any other non-commissioned officer serving in the battery at the time, and holding a certificate from the school at Aldershot, the latter non-commissioned officer may, subject to the approval of the Lieutenant-Colonel
* See E. a. O., No. 14, 1885, paras. 1 to 14; also GK 0. 138, Nov., 1886 K. GL 0. 108, Nov., 1887.
;

and

72

Commanding the Division, be appointed range-taker to the battery in place of the existing range-taker. Except in cases of proved inefficiency as stated in (a), the range-taker of a battery is not to be removed from his appointment until he has held it for one year.

No

non-commissioned

officer is to

home who has not been through a course at Aldershot, and been reported qualified by the Instructor in Range-finding, but when batteries abroad have no qualified
to a battery at

be appointed range-taker

non-commissioned

officer

the position
officer

by any non-commissioned

may be filled temporarily who can take ranges with not

more than 5 per cent, of error, as proved by an examination in the presence of a Regimental Board, to be carried out in accordance with the instructions for preparatory classes hereafter
detailed.

When the officer commanding a battery is unable to fill up the appointment from the rank and file non-commissioned officers under his command, he will report the vacancy through the Officer Commanding Royal Artillery in the District to Headquarters, stating in the case of batteries abroad whether a temporary appointment has been made or not. In batteries abroad a non-commissioned officer who has been reduced to the ranks, or a Serjeant, may, in the absence of any other qualified candidate, be employed as range-taker, but in the former case he will draw no extra-duty pay until he has
been re-appointed a non-commissioned
If
officer.

the range-taker of a battery, returning from foreign service, has been temporarily appointed under the foregoing regulations, or under any special regulations in force in India, the officer commanding the battery is to report the fact without delay, in view to the range-taker being sent to join a class at the School of Range-finding at Aldershot, for a qualifying course of instruction and examination. Non-commissioned officers who have qualified and are recommended for appointment as range-takers, are to be shown in the

Monthly Qualification Return, Army Form B 92. The range-taker and assistant range-taker will be exempt from such ordinary duties as will give them full time for practice. They are not to be appointed clerks, or employed in positions which interfere with their special duties as range-takers, unless
they vacate the latter appointments for this purpose. Besides practising by themselves they will be exercised once a fortnight, weather permitting, under the officers of the battery,

Form I), and verify them to the Ordnance Survey Maps, which have been issued to Districts for the purpose. report that this has been done is to be rendered monthly to the Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding the Division. Officers commanding districts are responsible that these maps are returned to the District office before batteries leave their commands. Range-finding is to be carried out, when practicable, at battery
will note the results obtained (see

who

by reference

73
drills, field days, manoeuvres and route-marching, and invariably at battery practice, and may be usefully combined with judging distance. Three or four of the horses in every battery should be trained so as to be accustomed to carry range-takers, as much time may be lost in mounting and dismounting, with the tripods, from unsteady horses. Officers commanding batteries are held responsible that the instruments and range-finding equipment of their batteries are of correct pattern* and in working order. They should cause their range-takers to examine all new issues, and report to them

before they are taken over. The instruments should be in the immediate charge of the range-takers, and when not in use should be kept in a secure place. They are not to be handled by any uu authorized person nor used except in the presence of an officer or one of the rangetakers.

A report,

on the range-finding of each battery

in the confidential report,

Army Form B

224.

will be made The number of

non-commissioned officers in each battery qualified to be rangetakers is also to be shown.

* Whatever mark of range-finder
used on the occasions detailed, but
that there

may

be in possession of a battery

it is

to be

officers

commanding

batteries are responsible

if it

is no delay in demanding the authorized service equipment been already supplied.

has not

74

75

FORM

II.

EANGE-FINDING CERTIFICATE.

R.

A.

Attended

a course of instruction at the

School of Range-finding

Aldershot, from

to

and passed af
obtaining a decimal of

Examination,

He
Watkin

is

qualified to act as Battery

Range-taker with the

in

Range-finder,

and

to

instruct

the

use

of

the

instrument.

Instructor in Range-finding.

Date

Commanding
Date

R.A., Aldershot.

Regimental Number, Rank, Name, Battery, and Brigade,

"
G-ood," or

Yery good."

76

SECTION

III.

CLASSES AT THE SCHOOL OF RANGE-FINDING, ALDERSHOT.*

A School of Range-finding having been established at Aldershot the system of drill and instruction in field rangefinding throughout the regiment will be in strict accordance with that authorized there.
There will be occasional classes for officers as well as for non-commissioned officers. Non-commissioned officers selected for the classes at Aldershot must be under the rank of serjeant, and be certified by their respective commanding officers to be good riders, and not shortsighted. They should, if possible, have gone through
a preparatory course of instruction, as hereafter detailed. Preference should be given to any who have learned signalling. The course for non-commissioned officers will last about eight weeks. An examination will be held at the end of the course, and certificates (see Form II) awarded to those who pass, according to the credits assigned, by the Instructor in
Range-finding. The following are the regulations for examination of classes
of non-commissioned officers (a) The examination will be divided into three sections, A, B, and C, and 100 marks will be given as full
:

credits, viz.

without calculation. 4<Tmark*f' j Range-finding Section B, Range-fin ding where calculation is neces"I

40 marks S t" on r 20 marks

,

J
'

sary.

(I)

General knowledge of the subject, and < Examination capacity for teaching it. o f ^ he i^trument. } In Sections A and B the examination will consist of two ranges in each (four in all), taken independently by each member of the class, one range in each section being that of a natural object such as a tree or bush. The mean of ranges taken by the Instructor and
C
'

Assistant Instructors, verified

Ordnance Map,
every case.

will be

deemed

when possible by the to be the true range in

The
(c)

table

(Form

III)

shows how the marks are to

:

be allotted.
In Section C the credits will be given as follows 10 marks by the Instructor from the experience he has of each man's capabilities. 10 marks for replies to viva voce questions at the examination. of 75 marks must be (d) To obtain a certificate a total A total of 75 marks and over will be obtained. recorded as "good," 90 marks and over as "very good."
*
K.a.O., No, 14, 1885.

Paragraphs 16 to 19.

77

OQ

78

SECTION IV.

PREPARATORY CLASSES.*

At all stations where there are range-takers available to give instruction, classes will be occasionally formed for elementary range-finding. They should be conducted so as to interfere as
as possible with the ordinary routine of duty, and should be assembled in mild weather only. These classes are for the purpose of testing the capabilities of non-commissioned officers intended to be sent to the classes at Aldershot, and are intended as a preparation for more advanced instruction. The number under one instructor should not exceed six. About 12 attendances of three hours each will be sufficient, and they may be spread for convenience over six or eight
little

weeks.

The whole of the instruction should be given out of doors, and be strictly confined to drill and practice in taking ranges up to 2,000 yards without calculation.
The adjustment
course.

of instruments will not form part of the

A record of each day's work will be kept, and any ranges taken will be noted in Form I. (See page 74.) At the end of the course an examination will be held under an officer. It should be conducted according to the general rules laid down for the examination of classes at Aldershot (Form III, Section A),f but five ranges should be taken instead of two 20 marks being allowed for each. The ranges should not much exceed 1,500 yards. The objects should be welldefined, and the time allowed should be double that given in
Form
III.

Seventy-five marks (*75) should be obtained at these examinations as a general rule to qualify candidates for joining an Aldershot class. At the examinations held abroad under paragraph 4, for the temporary appointment of range-taker, the rules laid down in paragraph 27 are to be observed, and o per cent, of error or a total of 60 marks (*6) will qualify for the appointment. Range-finders forming part of the service equipment of batteries are never to be used for instruction, but instruments, Class II, are to be specially demanded for that purpose.

SECTION V.

For the regulations relating to examination of officers in range-finding before promotion see orders issued with Army Orders, 1st March, 1889.
* R.G-.O., No. 14, 1885, paragraphs 20 to 30. f This refers to the Section of the Examination.

79

APPENDIX
CLASSES.

B.

OUTLINE OF A COURSE OF INSTRUCTION FOR PREPARATORY

Assembled in accordance with Regimental General Order 14, 1885, paragraphs 20 to 30. (See Appendix C, Section III.)

THE

following

is

intended as a general guide only

:

Instructors

must vary the

detail according to the progress of the class.

1st attendance

(1) Instructor

having put out a sub-base of 6 yards will exercise the class in finding a base of about 60 yards, first with shutter open, afterwards with shutter closed. They will at the same time learn how to read
the cylinder.

(2)

Those not occupied in the above, will be employed in ascertaining by trial, several times over, how many of their paces at the double go to 100 yards, also in
learning to pace yards at the quick march.
:

2nd attendance (1) Each man

will be taught in succession to lay a 6-yard sub-base with reference to a C picket placed by the Instructor, and will afterwards learn how to plant a

picket.

(2)

Those not occupied

in the above, will be employed in finding a base set out by the Instructor with the sliding collar at a different point from the correct one. One of them will take down the readings in a note-book, and the Instructor will afterwards turn the readings into yards, and see what accuracy each man has

attained to, the

out.

same instrument being used through-

3rd attendance

(1) Instructor having put out a C picket, and set the base himself, will exercise the class in taking an easy range (about 800 yards), first with shutters open, afterwards

closed.
(2)

Those not employed

drill.
:

in the

above

will practice picket

4th attendance

(1) First part of last lesson will

range (shutter

closed),

how
do

to

fiat

a right

be repeated with a longer and class will also be taught angle, and will each in succession
aii

so,

and plant a C picket with reference to

80

The picket placed in position by the Instructor. Instructor will follow each, and make those who fail repeat their observations. (2) Those not employed as above will be exercised by taking a range, A and C pickets being placed by the Instructor, and an untrue base given to be set on the base bar. One of the class will write down the readings, and the Instructor, who knows the real base, will afterwards turn these readings into yards, and
judge of each man's work.
5th attendance
:

The

being told off in squads of two will be taught an easy range in slow time, the Instructor following each one's work.
class

how

to take

6th attendance

Repeat yesterday's lesson about 1,200 yards.

7th, 8th,

in quicker time,

with a range of

and 9th attendances Range-finding with and without telescope on easy ground. Distances up to 2,000 yards. Bases 60 to 110 yards.
:

No

calculations.

10th, llth,

and 12th attendances:

Range-finding on

difficult ground, including steep slopes. Distances up to 3,000 yards. Bases 60 to 120 yards.

No

calculations.

The class to measure cords every day before beginning work. The Instructor must pay great attention to the positions of the
drill, and to the accuracy of the work, on no account on insisting quickness at the expense of accuracy.

hands at

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY

BERKELEY
THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE

STAMPED BELOW
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demand may be renewed expiration of loan period.

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application

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made

before

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16

1917

FED

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50w-7,'16

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY

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